The Department of Genetics is seeking a computational biologist (Research Data Analyst 1) to join the Engreitz Laboratory to to map the regulatory wiring of the human genome to discover genetic mechanisms of heart diseases. The Engreitz Lab launched at Stanford in 2020 and is part of the Department of Genetics and the Basic Science and Engineering (BASE) Initiative of the Moore Children's Heart Center. The position is open and a successful candidate could join immediately.
Lab overview: DNA regulatory elements in the human genome, which harbor thousands of genetic risk variants for common and rare diseases and could reveal targets for therapeutics that aim to precisely tune cellular functions -- if only we could map the complex regulatory wiring that connects 2 million regulatory elements with 21,000 genes in thousands of cell types in the human body. We have recently developed new approaches that could enable mapping this regulatory wiring at massive scale (see Fulco et al. Science 2016, Fulco et al. Nature Genetics 2019, Nasser et al. Nature 2021, Bergman et al. Nature 2022). We invent new tools combining experimental and computational genomics, biochemistry, molecular biology, and human genetics to assemble regulatory maps of the human genome and uncover biological mechanisms of heart disease.
We are looking for creative and passionate people at any stage in their careers, including computational biologists. Candidates will train to lead and design computational projects that push the boundaries of genomic technology and reveal the functions of genetic variants associated with human diseases.
Specific projects include: to design and analyze large-scale single-cell CRISPR screens to chart enhancer-gene regulatory connections and decipher molecular mechanisms of gene regulation; to develop and apply predictive models for enhancer-gene regulation, including leveraging the ABC framework to capture enhancer synergies and genetic variant effect sizes; to develop and apply methods to systematically benchmark the performance of predictive models for enhancer-gene regulation. For more information and recent work, see www.engreitzlab.org.
The Engreitz Laboratory is a dynamic, interdisciplinary workplace that will provide unique access to cutting edge technologies and scientific thought, with the potential for widespread recognition of scientific contributions. We value a diversity of values, backgrounds, and approaches to solving problems.
The candidate for this position should have expertise in statistical methods in data analysis, preferably with applications to high-throughput sequencing or other biological assays; enthusiasm for using computational approaches to learn fundamental mechanisms of gene regulation and understand human disease; fluency in Unix, programming, and bioinformatics tools (Python, R, or equivalent); excellent communication, organization, and time management skills; and be a creative, organized, motivated team player.
Duties include:
Collaborate with experimentalists and computational biologists to develop and apply functional genomics techniques to understand gene regulation and the genetic basis of heart disease
Design and implement generalizable algorithms and tools for analysis of biological data, including high-throughput functional genomics assays
Evaluate and recommend new emerging technologies, approaches, and problems
Create scientifically rigorous visualizations, communications, and presentations of results
Contribute to generation of protocols, publications, and intellectual property
Maintain and organize computational infrastructure and resources
* - Other duties may also be assigned.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Suggested: B.S. in computational biology, computer science, physics, statistics, math, molecular biology, or related field. Talented applicants of all levels are encouraged to apply.
Demonstrated expertise in statistical methods in data analysis, preferably with applications to high-throughput sequencing or other biological assays.
Enthusiasm for using computational approaches to learn fundamental mechanisms of gene regulation and understand human disease.
Excellent communication, organization, and time management skills.
Creative, organized, motivated, team player.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED):
Bachelor's degree or a combination of education and relevant experience. Experience in a quantitative discipline such as economics, finance, statistics or engineering.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED):
Knowledge of Unix, programming, and data analysis tools (Python, R, or equivalent)
Strong writing and analytical skills.
Ability to prioritize workload.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:
Sitting in place at computer for long periods of time with extensive keyboarding/dexterity.
Occasionally use a telephone.
Rarely writing by hand.
* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Some work may be performed in a laboratory or field setting.
WORK STANDARDS:
Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.
Why work at Stanford?Stanford University has changed the world, over and over again.We are one of Silicon Valley's largest employers - and also one of the most unique. Our mission is to educate future leaders and promote interdisciplinary, world-class research and teaching. This passion makes Stanford an intensely creative, rewarding, and challenging place to work. At the same time, our traditions of respect and collaboration sustain a humane, supportive environment in which to pursue your life and your career.At Stanford you'll work with bright, diverse, dedicated people. You'll find encouragement to learn and grow. You'll enjoy excellent benefits and an outstanding environment. How will it change you?
