Postdoctoral Fellowships in Computational and Functional Genomics : Saint Louis, MO, United States

We welcome applications from highly motivated and enthusiastic scientists to fill two Postdoctoral research fellowship positions in cardiovascular genomics. These positions are in the Stitziel Laboratory at the Washington University School of Medicine. Our lab utilizes next-generation techniques to discover novel genes underlying complex and Mendelian forms of cardiovascular disease. We are also interested in developing methods for the analysis of complex genetic data and pursuing functional validation of causal genes and mechanisms. We study these problems in hopes of applying genetic findings and techniques to improve clinical care and human health. Our lab is affiliated with the Center for Cardiovascular Research and the McDonnell Genome Institute, one of only three NIH-funded large-scale genome centers in the United States.

1) The first opening is a computational position with a focus on statistical genetics and bioinformatics. This position will be physically located within the McDonnell Genome Institute at the 4444 Forest Park Avenue Building on the Washington University School of Medicine campus. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to work with large-scale genetic data (including genome-wide arrays, Exome Chip arrays, and next-generation sequencing data (WES and WGS) in tens of thousands of individuals), the opportunity to participate in large international collaborations, and the opportunity to develop their own research projects.

Candidates should have a PhD in a genomics-related field such as genetics, bioinformatics, computational biology, or related areas. Alternatively, an MD with appropriate prior research experience may apply. There should be evidence of a strong quantitative research background with experience in programming and statistics.

2) The second opening is focused on functional experimental follow-up of novel cardiovascular genes. Through large-scale genetic studies our lab has mapped several novel genes for atherosclerosis and we have formed close collaborations with expert scientists in vascular biology to begin functional studies in order to understand the mechanism leading to disease. This position will be physically located in the Center for Cardiovascular Research and the postdoctoral fellow will be co-mentored with our collaborating scientists on campus. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to fully characterize these novel genes beginning from in vivo effects through molecular mechanism.

Candidates should have a PhD with extensive experience in cell, molecular biology, or related fields. Ideal candidates will have experience with genetics, animal handling, and background work in atherosclerosis or vascular biology.