Postdoctoral Research Associate in Statistical Genetics (Singh Lab)

Job Description

The Singh lab (tjsinghlab.com) is looking for a motivated and creative postdoctoral research associate to lead method development and analysis in statistical human genetics, with a focus on brain disorders. The candidate will develop and apply methods to analyze genetic and phenotypic data from clinical collections and population biobanks that include tens to hundreds of thousands of individuals. The candidate will use the depth and diversity of these multimodal datasets to characterize the effects of genetic risk factors for psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. Specifically, they will co-analyze common, rare, and structural variants from whole-genome sequence data and detailed phenotypic (questionnaire, clinical, and imaging) data using novel and scalable methods in statistical genetics and machine learning to understand the pathogenesis of brain disorders. We hope to use these insights to identify genes associated with increased risk of particular symptom clusters and pinpoint pathways and processes associated with disease biology.

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 phenotypic 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 communicate and when to do so.
• Adaptable & Innovative: Adaptable and embraces change; develops new insights and pursues improvements and efficiency; fosters the exchange of new ideas and willing to challenge the status quo; takes the initiative and is solution-oriented; engages in work with passion and curiosity.

Mentoring Plan

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will meet with Dr. Singh and regularly interact with researchers at NYGC, Columbia University's Department of Psychiatry, and the New York State Psychiatric Institute. They will participate in group meetings at both NYGC and Columbia and will participate in meetings of NYC-wide working groups if required. The postdoc can access resources for professional advancement and skill development at the NYGC and Columbia, which will help build toward an academic or industry career.

Salary

The pay for this position is $88,000 per year; this includes a $70,000 base pay and 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.

Work Flexibility

NYGC has established a flexible work policy to allow employees and other staff to balance 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 at least two days per week) with supervisory approval.

This position is eligible for visa sponsorship and relocation assistance.

Position Type

Full-Time/Regular

For specific inquiries:

Please email [redacted] with the subject header "Research Position Inquiry: Postdoctoral Research Associate in Statistical Genetics."