Computational Research Scientist Human Genomics - Postdoctoral Fellow

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Job description

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOW

Computational Research Scientist - Human Genomics

The Corrigan Minehan Heart Center at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), a Harvard affiliated hospital, is seeking exceptional candidates to join the lab of Dr. Steven Lubitz in the Cardiovascular Research Center interested in the genetics and genomics of cardiovascular disease. The candidate will join an interdisciplinary team of computational biologists, genetic epidemiologists, statistical geneticists, clinicians, bioinformaticians, and machine learning engineers at MGH and the Broad Institute who are working together to 1) understand the biological mechanisms of cardiovascular disease, 2) predict individuals at risk for disease, and 3) translate insights to improve health outcomes. The candidate will work with robust genomic data from collaborative and population-based biorepositories including over 500,000 individuals in the UK Biobank with whole exome sequence data and genome-wide genotyping, the All Of Us dataset including over 100,000 individuals with whole genome sequence data, the NHLBI TOPMed dataset with over 100,000 individuals with whole genome sequence data, and a local hospital-based biorepository linked to electronic health records for ~100,000 individuals comprising a mix with whole exome sequence data, as well as additional genomic resources. The candidate will also have access to data from over 500,000 individuals with rich electronic health record data, well-curated phenotypes, and longitudinal follow-up for health outcomes. Genomic resources are growing across all datasets.

The candidate will lead projects focused on discovery of genetic causes of disease, genetic risk prediction modeling, parsing of polygenic risk, heritability estimation, causal inference, identification of therapeutic targets, subtyping diseases, and clinical interpretation of rare pathogenic variation. Projects are focused on cardiovascular disease, which account for a substantial burden of morbidity, sudden death, and economic costs. The candidate's tasks will involve curation of robust genomic data and large-scale health datasets, statistical analysis, and preparation of manuscripts.

The candidate must thrive in an academic/professional atmosphere, where interdisciplinary teams are central to project success. A high level of maturity is essential, as the individual is given access to personal and confidential medical information. Strong organizational and interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks are essential. The candidate must be self-motivated, independent in task completion, and comfortable accepting feedback and guidance from colleagues.

This position is ideal for either individuals with a PhD degree in Biostatistics, Genetic Epidemiology, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Biological Sciences, Machine Learning, or Computer Science. Individuals must have experience with quantitative or functional genomics.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead genetic discovery efforts (developing analysis plans, coordinating data, implementing stringent quality control pipelines, conducting analyses, interpreting results, drafting manuscripts, and disseminating results).
• Contribute to efforts aimed at implementing polygenic risk estimation and genetic variant assessment in clinical settings.
• Collaborate with team members conducting functional characterization of discoveries.
• Regularly communicate accomplishments and progress at project team meetings.
• Proactively communicate with data analysis groups to ensure analytical goals are achieved.
• Coordinate and interact closely with other collaborating scientists on data quality and file management.
• Actively participate in the preparation of manuscripts for publication, scholarly reports and present at scientific conferences.
• Share expertise, provide training and guidance with other team members as needed.
• Participate within a team of scientists to foster a culture of scientific excellence.

Resources:

• Genomic data from large-scale consortia initiatives, prospective cohorts, national biobanks (UK Biobank), the Partners Health Biorepository, NHLBI TOPMed, NHGRI CCDG, Million Veteran Program, and additional resources anticipated (e.g., AllOfUs)
• Other functional genomic data sets generated through local efforts (e.g., RNA-seq in human heart tissue, epigenomic datasets, etc)
• Collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of investigators spanning the Massachusetts General Hospital and Broad Institute

Qualifications

Skills/Qualifications:

• Ph.D. degree in Biostatistics, Genetic Epidemiology, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Biological Sciences, Machine Learning, or Computer Science
• Must have experience with genome-wide association analysis, rare variant association testing, and genetic risk prediction
• Understanding of biology is advantageous
• Familiarity with electronic health records advantageous
• Prior familiarity with genetic imputation is strongly preferred
• Familiarity with next-generation sequence data analysis tools is preferred
• Must have demonstrated experience designing computational methods and tools, including prior experience with algorithms relevant to high dimensional data analysis.
• Experience in cardiovascular disease or biology-based research is favored
• Ability to work independently while making necessary connections with experts in various computational analysis groups.
• Willing to commit to a two-year position though postdoctoral fellowship positions may be three years or longer.
• Self-starter, highly motivated
• Entrepreneurial spirit
• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent organization and time management skills

Education

• Ph.D. degree in Biostatistics, Genetic Epidemiology, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Biological Sciences, Machine Learning, or Computer Science

Experience

• 1 or 2 years of prior independent computational experience performing genetic discovery or functional genomics preferred.
  To Apply:
  
  Please forward your CV, research focus statement and list of references to:
  
  Ana Trisini Lipsanopoulos
  Senior Clinical Research Project Manager, Cardiology Division
  

EEO Statement

Massachusetts General Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. Applications from protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged.