Open Positions
Index of positions
Position #1560: Postdoctoral Fellow in Single Cell Genomics and Human Genetics of Complex Eye DiseasesPosition #1554: Post-Doctoral Fellow – Genetics of and Genetic Therapies for Inherited Retinal Degenerations
Position #1560: Postdoctoral Fellow in Single Cell Genomics and Human Genetics of Complex Eye Diseases
Description:
The Segrè laboratory in the Department of Ophthalmology and Ocular Genomics Institute at
Massachusetts Eye and Ear (MEE), Harvard Medical School, is seeking a highly qualified and motivated
Postdoctoral Fellow to work on innovative projects that combine single cell genomics, human genetics,
functional genomics and systems biology approaches to uncover novel causal mechanisms and pathogenic
cell types for complex eye diseases, including glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration, with the
ultimate goal of identifying new preventative and therapeutic targets for eye disease.
The successful candidate should have a PhD in computational biology or genomics, biostatistics,
computer science, or a related quantitative field, and will be interested in developing and applying novel
computational and statistical methods for analyzing single cell RNA-seq and whole genome sequencing
data from eye tissues in combination with genome-wide association study data to gain biological insights
into cell type-specific processes and regulatory mechanisms that lead to complex eye diseases. The
postdoctoral fellow will have access to data from a collaborative Human Cell Atlas effort aimed at
characterizing the cell types and cell type-specific gene expression and genetic regulation for a range of disease-relevant eye tissues:
The ideal candidate will have strong programming skills, a solid background in statistics, and experience with large-scale data analysis,and will be excited to contribute to advancing the science and medicine of eye disease. The postdoctoral fellow will have the opportunity to develop his or her own research projects and interests within this research area, and to present one’s work at local, national, and international meetings.
The Segrè lab is part of a vibrant research community of computational biologists, experiment biologists
and clinician scientists in the Ocular Genomics Institute at MEE, which is an international leader for
treatment and research in Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology, and is affiliated with the Medical and
Population Genetics community at the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT. Being a member of our group
will provide the opportunity to contribute to large collaborative efforts in the field of genomics and human
disease. To learn more about the lab research directions please visit: http://www.asegrelab.org/
CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES:
• Develop new statistical and computational methods that integrate single cell RNA-sequencing and
whole genome sequencing (WGS) data to detect cell type-specific allele specific expression and
genetic regulation of gene expression in various healthy eye tissues.
• Develop and apply computational methods that integrate single cell gene expression and
regulation data and other functional genomics data (e.g., expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs),• epigenetics) with genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to identify key regulatory mechanisms, genes, and pathways that affect complex eye disease risk, and to propose pathogenic cell types.
• Employ machine learning approaches to identify cell type specific pathways or functional modules
that contribute to common eye diseases.
• Organize all scripts in a publicly available repository (e.g., github) with clear documentation.
• Critically review, analyze, and communicate results to our team and collaborators, and summarize
work for first author publications.
• Candidate will work both on independent and collaborative projects and will have the opportunity
to present one’s work at national and international conferences.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
• Ph.D. in computational biology, computer science, (bio)statistics, statistical genetics, mathematics, or a related quantitative discipline required.
• Strong programming skills and in-depth experience with several programming languages required, e.g. Python, R, C++; experience with Cloud Computing a plus.
• Experience with Unix/Linux environments, including shell scripting, required.
• Strong background in statistics, computational genomics, and/or machine learning desired.
• Research experience with large-scale data analysis, in particular -omics data such as next- generation sequencing, and algorithm development highly desirable.
• Motivation to contribute to genomic research of eye disease is essential.
• Demonstrates critical thinking, rigorous work, and ability to meet deadlines.
• Expected to be quick learner of new analytical approaches and capable of developing new computational methods for solving complex problems.
• Excellent publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
• Strong personal skills, and excellent organization and verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, academic environment and evolving field.
If interested, please send your CV, a cover letter describing your previous research experience and future
research interests, and contact information for 3 references, to Dr. Ayellet Segrè: ayellet_segre [at]
meei.harvard.edu.
Position #1554: Post-Doctoral Fellow – Genetics of and Genetic Therapies for Inherited Retinal Degenerations
Description:
We are seeking a talented postdoctoral fellow to join our team to study the genetic causality of and gene therapies for inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs). IRDs are important causes of vision loss that affect people of all ages. These disorders cause vision loss via dysfunction and death of the photoreceptor and retinal pigment epithelial cells of the retina. Over 270 IRD disease genes have been identified to date, but the genetic cause of disease remains elusive for 1/3rd of affected patients. Genetic therapies show great promise for reducing or preventing vision loss from IRDs and clinical trials are in progress for multiple genetic forms of IRD. We are looking for a postdoc to join our NIH-funded project to improve our understanding of the genetic causes of IRDs, study disease mechanisms, and test genetic therapies for specific forms of IRD.
Qualified candidates should have strong molecular and cellular biologic skills, and be able to work independently as well as in a group environment. This position offers an excellent opportunity to learn and apply skills in genetics, molecular biology, gene therapies, and evaluation of animal and cell-based models of disease. Experience in one or more of these areas is preferred.
To Apply:
Interested candidates should send their CV, a cover letter, and contact information for 3 references to: Dr. Eric A Pierce Ocular Genomics Institute Mass Eye and Ear 243 Charles St Boston, MA 02114 eric_pierce@meei.harvard.edu
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