As a part of the Center of Excellence for Data-Driven Discovery in the Department of Structural Biology at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Babu Group seeks a highly driven, full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate to develop computational pipelines and machine learning approaches to quantify obesity risk and predict its effects by leveraging large-scale omics data. This position requires relocation to Memphis, TN. When possible, it will involve travel for collaborative purposes to Denmark. ADIPOSIGN is run by four partners with highly complementary expertise in the fields of adipocyte biology, transcriptional regulation, signal transduction, physiology, and computational systems biology:
Susanne Mandrup, Prof., Dept. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SDU, DK
Jan-Wilhelm Kornfeld, Prof., Dept. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SDU, DK
M. Madan Babu, Member, Dept. of Structural Biology SJCRH, USA
Zach Gerhart-Hines, Assoc. Prof., NNF Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, DK
The Babu Group works with its partners in the Centre for Adipocyte Signaling (ADIPOSIGN) to understand the impact of natural genome variation on adipocyte signaling function and how changes in these signaling states during the development of obesity contribute to the pathophysiological consequences of obesity. We are looking for a candidate to develop and employ state-of-the-art computational genetics and genomics methods aimed at understanding the molecular basis of obesity phenotypes and how genetic variation contributes to the occurrence and development of obesity.
The successful candidate will have a solid understanding of statistical genetics, strong programming skills such as Python and/or R, and a proven track record in large-scale human phenotype and genome variation data analysis and polygenic risk score calculation. Interest in adipocyte biology, G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling, transcription, metabolic pathways, and/or nuclear receptors is desirable. When submitting your application, please include your CV with a cover letter, and be prepared to submit three letters of recommendation.
Responsibilities
- To develop and employ state-of-the-art computational genetics and genomics methods aimed at understanding the molecular basis of obesity phenotypes and how genetic variation contributes to the occurrence and development of obesity.
- To establish computational pipelines and develop machine learning approaches to analyze human genomic data to quantify obesity risk and predict its effects.
- To maintain collaborative interactions with partners in ADIPOSIGN and provide support for data analysis, interpretation, and presentation of variation datasets.
- To collaborate with other members of the Babu Group and contribute to lab-wide discussions on developments in computational/statistical genetics and genomics.
- To draft scientific papers and contribute to the overall preparation of research for publication.
Opportunities for Professional Growth
- The candidate will have the opportunity to travel and present scientific work at consortium meetings, progress report meetings, and external conferences.
- The candidate will have the opportunity to receive training in grant writing to gain practical experience in formulating research proposals, navigating funding opportunities, and effectively communicating scientific ideas.
- The candidate will have the opportunity to participate in internal and external training workshops on cutting-edge techniques such as single-cell and spatial genomics data analysis.
- The candidate will have the opportunity to learn the role of GPCR and Kinase signaling in human physiology and disease.
Minimum Education
A PhD in computational human genetics or computational genomics. If you have a PhD in statistical genetics, the ideal candidate will also have an extensive research experience working with human genetics datasets with a good molecular understanding of the basis of phenotypic diversity.