Postdoctoral researcher (causal network inference in cancer), Knowles & Azizi Labs
Company: New York Genome Center
Location: New York
Posted on: April 15, 2024
|
|
Job Description:
The Knowles and Azizi labs are seeking a joint postdoctoral
research scientist with a background in computational biology,
machine learning, and statistics, as well as preferably genomics
and cancer biology. This collaborative project combines causal
inference and gene regulatory network modeling to better understand
cancer progression, metastasis and drug resistance. This project is
part of the MacMillan Center for the Study of the Non-Coding Cancer
Genome (), which is hosted at NYGC.
The incumbent Postdoctoral Research Associate will support the
"Inferring cell-type specific gene regulation and the causal
networks underlying cancer progression and drug resistance" project
as part of the MacMillan Center for the Study of the Non-Coding
Cancer Genome (CSNCG). The MacMillan CSNCG is a partnership between
The MacMillan Family Foundation and the New York Genome Center. The
mission of the CSNCG is to dramatically advance our understanding
of human physiology and disease mechanisms in cancer through an
unprecedented research program focused on understanding the role
and function of the non-coding genome and epigenome in cancer
evolution, progression, and treatment response. This requires
shared innovative technologies and mathematical approaches, and an
interdisciplinary effort between theory, measurement, and
application. Thus, a key goal of the CSNCG will be the creation of
a common causality discovery platform that brings together
engineers, data scientists, mathematicians, technologists, and
biological experts to engage in collaborative efforts to develop
and scale access to tissue-based measurements and computational
tools, which will provide quantification of phenotypes as a
function of natural or experimental variation of the dark genome
and epigenome.
The Knowles lab () develops machine learning methods to understand
the role of transcriptomic dysregulation across the spectrum from
rare to common genetic disease. This includes characterization of
the genetic and environmental factors contributing to mRNA
expression and splicing variation. Beyond this specific project
there are opportunities for close collaboration with diverse
research groups at NYGC collecting large-scale genomics datasets
and developing novel genomic technologies including single cell
methods, forward genetic screens and long-read transcriptomics. The
lab is joint between the NYGC and Columbia University Departments
of Computer Science and Systems Biology
The Azizi lab () utilizes an interdisciplinary approach combining
cutting-edge single-cell genomic and imaging technologies with
statistical machine learning techniques, to characterize complex
populations of interacting cells in the tumor microenvironment as
well as their dysregulated circuitry and spatial organization. The
Azizi lab is primarily affiliated with the Biomedical Engineering
Department and the Irving Institute for Cancer Dynamics (IICD) at
Columbia University. We are also affiliated with the Computer
Science Department, Data Science Institute and the Herbert Irving
Comprehensive Cancer Center. The lab is located in the Columbia
Morningside (main) campus.
Key Responsibilities
Conceptualize novel computational approaches for causal gene
regulatory network inference.
Implement and document these methods following good software
engineering practices.
Benchmark these methods against existing baseline approaches e.g.
using simulations.
Apply these methods to diverse cancer omics datasets, especially
single cell.
Document and present progress and results in written or oral
reports to other lab members.
Prepare manuscripts and external presentations including for center
meetings.
Building standardized Python and conda packages.
Position Requirements
PhD in computer science, statistical genetics, bioinformatics or
related quantitative subject.
Publication record including a first author paper on a relevant
topic (e.g. computational biology, machine learning, or
statistics).
Strong programming skills in Python or R
Technical skills and coursework in machine learning, data science
or statistics
Previous experience in developing novel machine learning methods or
computational biology tools
Experience with processing and analysis of genomic data and
knowledge of cancer biology is preferrable
Strong interest in applications of statistical machine learning in
genomics
Highly independent and interested in working with a
multidisciplinary team
Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women
and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they
meet every single qualification. At NYGC we are dedicated to
building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you're
excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align
perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we
encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate
for this or other roles.
Competencies
Technical and Professional Skills: Consistently demonstrates skills
and knowledge relevant for 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 diversity of
perspective; communicates clearly and listens carefully; uses good
judgment as to what to communicate and when to do so.
Adaptable & Innovative: Adaptable and embraces change; develops new
insights and pursues improvements and efficiency; fosters exchange
of new ideas and willing to challenge the status quo; takes
initiative and is solution-oriented; engages in work with passion
and curiosity.
Work Flexibility
NYGC has established a flexible work policy to give employees and
other staff more ability to balance their work, personal
commitments, and commuting challenges. The incumbent in this
position is eligible for a flexible work schedule or hybrid remote
work arrangement (working onsite on Tuesdays and Thursdays at
minimum) with supervisory approval.
Salary
The pay range for this position is $63,000 - 68,000 per year; the
base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge,
skills, and experience. Separately, the NYGC offers a $1,500 per
month taxable postdoctoral housing allowance ($18,000 per year), a
full range of medical, financial, and other benefits, and generous
time off.
About the New York Genome Center
The New York Genome Center (NYGC) is an independent, nonprofit,
academic research organization dedicated to advancing genomic
research. NYGC scientists and staff are furthering new approaches
to diagnosing and treating neurological diseases and cancer through
their unique capabilities in whole genome sequencing, RNA
sequencing, state-of-the art analytics, and the development of
genomic tools. NYGC concentrates specifically on disease-based
research in the following areas: neuropsychiatric disease (autism,
schizophrenia, bipolar); neurodegenerative disease (ALS,
Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's), and cancer.
Located in Lower Manhattan, the New York Genome Center was founded
by and remains closely affiliated with twelve leading academic
medical centers and research universities in the New York region
and beyond, engaging in research projects with and for these
institutions. Essential to our collaborative work is an outstanding
faculty, whose members typically hold a joint appointment at NYGC
and a partner university. They support our scientific mission by
conducting independent research in areas of mutual interest to us
and the wider scientific community.
Equal Opportunity
NYGC is committed to creating a workplace where our employees
reflect the rich diversity of the New York community- in race,
gender, age, cultures and beliefs - and we work to support this
diversity through our employment practices. We want our employees
to thrive both personally and professionally.
The New York Genome Center is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. All
qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and
will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, creed,
color, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age,
disability, genetic predisposition or carrier status, protected
veteran or military status, domestic violence victim status,
partnership status, caregiver status, alienage or citizenship
status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by
applicable law. The New York Genome Center takes affirmative action
in support of its policy to hire and advance in employment
individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and
individuals with disabilities.
FLSA Status - Exempt
This position is eligible for visa sponsorship and relocation
assistance.
Please note: We care greatly about our employees' wellbeing, so
NYGC has moved to a fully COVID-19 vaccinated environment. You must
be vaccinated against COVID-19 to be provided access at NYGC, even
if you are working partially remotely.
Keywords: New York Genome Center, Union City , Postdoctoral researcher (causal network inference in cancer), Knowles & Azizi Labs, Healthcare , New York, New Jersey
Click
here to apply!
|