Doctoral Candidate Position 15 - National and Kapodistrial University of Athens, Greece
AI pipeline development for metabolomics data analysis - Application to Parkinson's studies
Description of project
Detecting Parkinson's disease (PD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder characterized by diverse symptoms where accurate diagnosis remains an unmet challenge. Biomarkers-based PD diagnosis can potentially overcome the limitations of traditional clinical observation-based approaches if it become accurate and explainable. This research aims to develop explainable Artificial Intelligence methods based on machine and deep learning, integrating flexible feature selection, model selection, sample classification, and results interpretation based on metabolomics features for PD diagnosis and classification purposes.
Approach:
Step 1: Utilize cutting-edge machine and deep learning methods to perform feature selection and ranking, model selection, implement explainable classification, and employ advanced visualization methods. Develop a versatile and transparent end-to-end pipeline for sample classification, particularly well-suited for scenarios with a high feature-to-sample ratio and noisy features.
Step 2: Establish robust and efficient computational strategies for predictive modeling and implement them using state-of-the-art Python technologies. Consider combining metabolomics data with other modalities to improve predictive accuracy.
Step 3: Validate by creating predictive models for distinguishing early and late-stage PD using pertinent patient samples.
Expected Results:
(i) Develop a comprehensive workflow that implements the end-to-end explainable AI pipeline for metabolomics data analysis, granting researchers and clinicians transparent disease insights. (ii) Illuminate disease mechanisms and the evolving role of metabolite sets in Parkinson's progression, potentially offering novel strategies for delaying or halting disease advancement.
Required selection criteria
- Excellent track record in relation to the opportunity
- Completed Master's degree (or equivalent) in Data Science, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Bioinformatics, or related field
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills and fluency in English
- Experience in Machine Learning using python technologies
Preferred selection criteria
- Scientific curiosity and passion for research
- Commitment and ability to work independently and integrate into an interdisciplinary team
- Experience in time management and teamwork
- Experience in Software Engineering
- Experience in analyzing biomedical data
- Participation in scientific publications
Specific Requirements
- Must not already hold a doctoral degree
- Must comply with the MSC Action mobility rule: not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Greece for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date.
- You must meet the requirements for admission to the Doctoral academic (PhD) studies of the Department of Informatics and Telecommunications of the University of Athens. See details at this website and this document.
Benefits
- Access to state-of-the-art training within the BICEPS doctoral network at an academic, and industry level
- Opportunities to collaborate with discipline specific world leading researchers
- A mobility allowance to support relocation
- A family allowance for the relocation of family (terms and conditions apply)
Eligibility criteria
The National and Kapodistian University of Athens (NKUA) supports a culture of free and open dialog, integrity, equality, and diversity. For more information, see the Gender Equality Plan prepared according to Horizon Europe, as well as broad EU policies for the elimination of gender discrimination, sexual harassment and gender-based violence.
Selection process
The application and supporting documentation to be used as the basis for the assessment must be in English. Applications should include:
- Complete CV (name, address, degree(s) with transcript(s) of grades, research experience, educational and employment history, publications etc.)
- Letter of application including a short explanation of the applicant's motivation to undertake a PhD (max. 2 pages).
- Transcripts and diplomas for bachelor's and master's degrees
- A copy of the master's thesis (if applicable). If you recently have submitted your master's thesis, you can attach a draft of the thesis. Documentation of a completed master's degree must be presented before taking up the position.
- Copy of publications you have contributed (if available).
- Names, contact details (including email addresses) of at least two referees
If all, or parts, of your education have been completed outside Greece, we also ask you to attach documentation of the scope and quality of your entire education, both bachelor's and master's education, in addition to other higher education. Upon request, you must be able to obtain certified copies of your documentation. If selected, the candidates must proceed to the recognition of foreign higher education documents for the purpose of further education at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (see this website).
Please use the harmonized Application Form before the deadline of 15-February 2025. Candidates are encouraged to apply early. Applications will be accepted until this deadline and considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Applications submitted by post or email will not be considered.
In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience, and personal and interpersonal qualities.
Additional comments
The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) is a research University and, as a leading higher education institution since 1837, it aims to advance knowledge and educate students in sciences and arts that will best serve the nation and the community of the twenty-first century. Committed to innovation and academic excellence, we seek to infuse each member of our academic community with a passion for research and knowledge gain. We encourage cultivation of creativity, maturation of social and cultural sensibilities as well as critical thinking. As one of the best research Universities in southern Europe, NKUA collaborates with Universities worldwide in research and education. For details, check this website
We offer you a competitive salary. The position is limited to a period of 3 years. The first year constitutes a probationary period, with an evaluation of the candidate's performance after twelve months. The objective of this evaluation is to establish whether the candidate will be able to finish a PhD thesis in the remaining two years. If the performance evaluation is positive, the candidate's contract will be extended by another two years, for a total of three years.