Research Scholar (Postdoctoral Fellowship)

NCIRE - The Northern California Institute for Research and Education, Inc.; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 68,640 - 79,639; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in California is seeking a candidate for a Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Data Science Applications to Alzheimer disease. The successful applicant will engage in original research, analyzing large datasets related to cognitive health research. Candidates must possess a doctoral degree in a quantitative field and demonstrate strong bioinformatics and data science capabilities. This position offers a competitive salary and the opportunity to work with distinguished researchers in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in a quantitative field required.
• Experience in bioinformatics or data science preferred.
• Strong analytical skills for large dataset interpretation.

Responsibilities

• Conduct original research focused on AD/ADRD.
• Analyze large-scale datasets related to brain health.
• Collaborate with researchers across multiple disciplines.

Skills

Bioinformatics

Machine Learning

Statistical Genetics

Data Science

Epidemiology

Education

Doctoral degree in epidemiology, statistical genetics, bioinformatics, biostatistics, computer science, or data science

Job description

Program Overview

Dr. Kristine Yaffe and the SFVA/UCSF Center of Population Brain Health are recruiting for an advanced two‑year Post‑Doctoral Fellowship Program in Data Science Applications to Alzheimer disease and Alzheimer disease–related dementias (AD/ADRD) and Brain Health. Potential areas of application include bioinformatics, big data, genetic epidemiology, prognostic models, and machine learning. The fellowship is associated with the Sierra Pacific Mental Illness Rehabilitation Education and Clinical Center at the San Francisco VA Health Care System (MIRECC; VISN 21) and affiliated with the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF).

Program Goals

The primary goal of the program is to train fellows with a doctoral degree in epidemiology, statistical genetics, bioinformatics, biostatistics, computer science, data science or a similar quantitative field to become skilled investigators for advancing our understanding of AD/ADRD with a focus on solving new challenges in cognitive and brain health research.

Over the course of the two‑year program, fellows will be trained in bioinformatic concepts and computational methods with opportunities to generate novel approaches and tools to analyze AD/ADRD and brain health data. Fellows will work on large‑scale datasets to address research questions including understanding risk and resilience factors of brain health, the AD/ADRD exposome across the life course, and mechanistic pathways of AD/ADRD development. They will drive an original research agenda while also gaining skills and training to become independent investigators.

Under the guidance of Fellowship Director, Dr. Kristine Yaffe, the candidate will have the opportunity to collaborate with investigators from the SFVAHCS services for Mental Health, Medicine, Neurology, and Radiology, UCSF/SFVAHCS Center for Population Brain Health, UCSF Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Neurology, Epidemiology/Biostatistics, Precision Medicine, Neuroscience, the Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, and the Global Brain Health Institute.

Application Process

To apply, please complete your UltiPro application and email the following to Tina Hoang (administrative assistant) at [e-mail]:

• Letter of interest detailing your research experience, interests, and career goals
• Curriculum Vitae
• Three letters of recommendation

The application deadline is November 15, 2025.

VA Onboarding Requirements

NCIRE is an affiliate organization of the San Francisco VA Health Care System (SFVAHCS). All candidates are required to complete SFVA onboarding in addition to NCIRE's onboarding process. The SFVA is a federal agency that requires a federal background check, occupational health clearance, vaccines and immunizations, and drug testing for certain positions. Failure to pass required drug testing will disqualify candidates from employment.

Salary and Benefits

The base wage range for this position is $68,640.00 – $79,639.96 per year. The actual wage offered will take into account various relevant and non‑discriminatory business factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s geographic location, job‑related experience, knowledge, skills, and education, as well as internal equity considerations. A successful candidate may also be eligible to earn additional compensation, including bonuses.

Equal Opportunity Employment

NCIRE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This position requires access to United States Government research under the Veterans Administration. Per Veterans Administration regulations surrounding access to U.S. research, qualified U.S. citizens will be selected over other individuals eligible to work in the United States. If you are eligible to work in the United States, you may still be considered for this position but only if no qualified U.S. citizens apply.