Computational Postdoctoral Associate | Varn Lab

The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine

Farmington, Connecticut

Job posting number: #7122720 (Ref:JR003029)

Posted: February 1, 2023

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Job Description

Postdoctoral Associate | Computational Cancer Biology

Varn Lab

Farmington, CT

The Varn Lab at The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine (JAX) is seeking a postdoctoral associate to study the role of tumor-microenvironment interactions in shaping the evolutionary trajectory of diffuse glioma, the most common malignant brain tumor in adults. The Varn Lab integrates genomic and molecular pathology approaches to study how the neurons, glial cells, and immune cells of the brain tumor microenvironment influence the transcriptional output of malignant glioma cells. Projects in the lab grow out of previous work done in collaboration with the Glioma Longitudinal Analysis (GLASS) Consortium (see Varn et al, Cell, 2022). We are seeking applicants that have interest in integrating data from cutting-edge genomic and microscopy techniques to investigate the role of the microenvironment in cancer evolution. For additional information, visit the Varn Lab’s webpage at jax.org.

The ideal candidate for this role will be motivated, curious, and have an established track record in computational biology, genomics, or a related quantitative area. Previous experience in single-cell analysis is a plus, but not required. Individuals in this position will have access to state-of-the-art scientific resources at JAX as well as primary tissue samples through collaborative agreements between the Varn Lab and medical institutions. Scientific research will be conducted in a laboratory that is heavily invested in the mentoring, career development, and success of trainees. This mentoring will be supplemented with institutional resources that include year-round workshops hosted by JAX, scientific writing services, and intramural funding opportunities. Overall, individuals will be well-supported to grow their careers while conducting exciting research that blends the fields of cell biology, microscopy, and computational biology.

Key Responsibilities

  • Apply and develop computational methods to analyze cell-cell interactions using bulk, single-cell, and spatial datasets
  • Manage and organize human tissue samples
  • Employ critical and creative thinking skills to solve scientific problems
  • Synthesize scientific literature into new project ideas
  • Collaborate with other labs at JAX to integrate new techniques into the laboratory
  • Write manuscripts and, in the long-term, apply for independent funding
  • Present results at lab meetings, institutional symposia, and national conferences

Qualifications

  • PhD in Genetics, Computational Biology, or a related field
  • At least one first author publication in a peer-reviewed journal
  • Experience in R, Python, or a related language
  • Strong managerial and organizational skills
  • Ability to drive projects forward and take initiative in solving problems
  • A personal growth mindset and receptiveness to constructive feedback
  • A desire to work with others, both collaboratively and as a mentor
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills to disseminate results and methods to the group

Interested applicants should send their CV (including three references) and a cover letter to Frederick.Varn@jax.org.

About JAX:

The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with more than 2,400 employees. Headquartered in Bar Harbor, Maine, it has a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center in Augusta, Maine, a genomic medicine institute in Farmington, Connecticut, and facilities in Ellsworth, Maine, Sacramento, California, and Shanghai, China. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health.

JAX employees work in a collaborative, value-driven, and team-based environment where the focus is on advancing science and improving patients’ lives. Researchers apply genetics to increase the understanding of human disease and advance treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging, and heart disease. JAX was voted among the top 15 “Best Places to Work in Academia” in the United States in a poll conducted by The Scientist magazine!

EEO Statement:

The Jackson Laboratory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.



The Jackson Laboratory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.


Apply Now

Please mention to the employer that you saw this ad on STEMCareers.com