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Dr. Zizhang Sheng's lab at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, the Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center (ADARC), applies bioinformatics and biochemical approaches to elucidate the mechanisms of humoral immune response to infection (HIV, SARS-CoV-2, influenza, malaria, etc.) and to understand the role and origin of autoreactive B cells in autoimmunity (systemic lupus erythematosus, IgA nephropathy, etc.).

Sheng Lab details can be found here:  https://www.infectiousdiseases.cuimc.columbia.edu/profile/zizhang-sheng-phd

The Sheng Lab pursues scientific research in cutting-edge fields and has published over 80 papers in Cell, Nature, Nature Communications, Cell Reports, etc.

Position Summary:

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented individual to join our team as a Bioinformatics Postdoctoral Research Scientist. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in the field. The position will involve analyzing next-generation sequencing data of single cell transcriptome and antibody repertoire to study affinity maturation mechanisms of pathogen or auto-antigen specific antibodies and disease pathogenesis. The position will also involve developing machine learning and/or deep learning methods to predict potency of HIV broadly neutralizing antibodies. The incumbent will work closely with a multidisciplinary team of both computational and experimental researchers and gain valuable experience in advanced data analysis techniques, algorithm development, and the interpretation of NGS data.

Anticipated start date:  12/6/2023

Key Responsibilities: 

• Conduct bioinformatics analyses to interpret high-throughput sequencing data, including transcriptomics and antibody repertoire.
• Develop and implement machine learning and/or deep learning methods to predict potency of HIV broadly neutralizing antibodies.
• Collaborate with experimental biologists to design and execute bioinformatics experiments that address key research questions.
• Participate in scientific discussions, present research findings at meetings and/or conferences, and contribute to scientific publications.
• Mentor and assist junior researchers in bioinformatics techniques and data analysis.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Genomics, or a related field.
• Strong programming skills in languages such as Python, R, or Perl.
• Proficiency in using bioinformatics software and tools (e.g., CellRanger, Seurat, SAMtools, etc.).
• Experience with next-generation sequencing data analysis (e.g., RNA-Seq, antibody repertoire).
• Knowledge of statistical analysis methods and machine learning techniques.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Effective communication skills, including the ability to present research findings to diverse audiences.
• A strong publication record and a demonstrated passion for bioinformatics research.

Application Requirements:

• Cover Letter detailing research interests and qualifications.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) with a list of publications.
• Contact information for at least three professional references.
• A brief research statement (up to 2 pages) outlining past research, current interests, and future goals in bioinformatics.

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Pay Transparency Disclosure

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training.  The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

About Columbia University

Columbia University is one of the world's most important centers of research and at the same time a distinctive and distinguished learning environment for undergraduates and graduate students in many scholarly and professional fields. The University recognizes the importance of its location in New York City and seeks to link its research and teaching to the vast resources of a great metropolis. It seeks to attract a diverse and international faculty and student body, to support research and teaching on global issues, and to create academic relationships with many countries and regions. It expects all areas of the university to advance knowledge and learning at the highest level and to convey the products of its efforts to the world.

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