The Singh lab (tjsinghlab.com) is seeking an motivated and creative postdoctoral research associate to lead innovative research in both statistical and functional genomics with an emphasis on understanding the genetic underpinnings of psychiatric disorders. The candidate will engage in a multi-layered approach, utilizing large-scale genetic and phenotypic data, as well as patient-derived neuronal models, to elucidate causal mechanisms. This includes the development and application of methods for analyzing induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines, particularly those derived from diverse patients. Using cutting-edge, single-cell technologies, the candidate will investigate how common genetic variants affect gene expression and chromatin accessibility in different lineages of neuronal cell types. This role offers a unique opportunity to blend traditional statistical genetics with emerging functional genomics techniques, aiming to uncover the complex biology associated of psychiatric conditions.
We are an interdisciplinary and collaborative team at the New York Genome Center (NYGC), with primary affiliations at the Columbia University’s (CU) Department of Psychiatry and the New York State Psychiatric Institute (NYSPI) and a secondary affiliation at Columbia University’s Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute. This position offers a unique opportunity to participate in a multi-institute research environment in New York City, with international travel and collaboration opportunities. Your work will be central to building and strengthening the neuropsychiatric genetics program at the NYGC and CU Psychiatry. You are encouraged to learn from and engage with other researchers in lecture series, grand rounds, and academic events at these centers and institutes, which include work in statistical genetics, functional genomics, basic neuroscience, and clinical translation. In addition to leading research in our team, you can access resources for professional advancement and skill development at the NYGC and Columbia, which will help you build toward an academic or industry career. This position is eligible for visa sponsorship and relocation assistance.
Key Responsibilities
• Develop and apply new statistical, computational, and machine learning methods for analyzing large-scale genetic and functional data using scalable technologies;
• Implement, document, and scale these methods using robust programming tools and practices for internal use and for sharing with the community;
• Lead planned research projects from start to finish;
• Work closely with computational and clinical colleagues at NYGC and Columbia to interpret and contextualize results from analysis;
• Lead the preparation of manuscripts and subsequent submission to academic journals;
• Present regularly at internal meetings at NYGC and Columbia and at domestic and international scientific conferences;
• Actively participate in lab activities and assist in the mentoring and coordination of junior members of the team;
• Share expertise and provide training and guidance to group members as needed.
Qualifications
• Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, Genetics, Statistics, Biostatistics, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Epidemiology, or equivalent;
• Proficiency in at least one modern programming language, including Python, Java, C/C++, or equivalent;
• Proficiency in R/RStudio and relevant statistical packages for data visualization and analysis;
• Proficiency in Unix/Linux platforms, such as basic shell scripting in an on-premises or Cloud computing setting (e.g., Google Cloud);
• Familiarity with analyzing high-throughput genetic data is preferred (e.g., processing FASTA, BAM/CRAM, VCF, BED/BIM/FAM files using PLINK, bcftools, Hail);
• Proficiency in building robust pipelines for the analysis of genomics or other -omics data (including WGS, RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, etc.);
• Proficiency in applying software engineering best practices (e.g., GitHub for version control, Docker for reproducible environments, etc.);
• Ability to work closely with other scientists to productionize and scale new data analysis methods and workflows;
• Interest and experience in supervising and mentoring junior team members;
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively, and strong written and verbal communication skills.
Competencies
• Technical and Professional Skills: Consistently demonstrates skills and knowledge relevant to the current role; strives to expand the depth and breadth of technical and professional skills; works with a high level of integrity; exhibits focus and discipline; appropriately prioritizes, manages expectations, and delivers on commitments.
• Collaborative & Communicative: Models collaboration and teamwork; brings out the best in others; effectively works with all levels, internally and externally; respects and embraces the diversity of perspective; communicates clearly and listens carefully; use good judgment as to what to communi
Location: New York, NY
Posted: Nov. 14, 2024, 10:29 p.m.
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