Position Description

The Gürsoy and Phatnani groups are seeking a dynamic, self-motivated, team-oriented Post-doctoral Research Associate to expand computational efforts in understanding neurodegenerative diseases. We are interested in a) developing integrative multi-modal data analysis tools incorporating spatially resolved omics data, imaging data, clinical phenotypes, and genotypes; and b) creating integrated data commons that involve workflows for accessing biobanked post-mortem brain samples, integrative analysis tools, and individual-level multimodal data. The resulting data commons will also incorporate implementation of novel privacy-preserving technologies allowing scientists from all over the world to query and access the data and the samples in a secure, privacy-preserving, efficient, intuitive, and fast manner. The successful candidate will have the unique opportunity of being trained at the intersection of mathematical modeling, omics data analysis, resource building, and genome privacy.

Responsibilities may include:

• Develop new computational, machine learning, and statistical analysis methods for integrating and analyzing large-scale, spatially resolved RNA-seq and genotypic data using current state of the art technologies;
• Develop a resource for the community that gives access to collected data and developed models in an ethical, privacy-preserving manner;
• Work closely with experimental colleagues and cores to understand the nature of generated data;
• Work closely with computational biologists and cryptographers to build an effective and privacy-preserving resource;
• Coordinate efforts across multiple organizations (Columbia University and New York Genome Center);
• Actively participate in the preparation of manuscripts for publication and present at scientific conferences;
• Assist in peer- and student-mentorship; and
• Share expertise and provide training and guidance to group members as needed.

• A minimum of a Ph.D. in computational biology, computational neuroscience, applied mathematics, computer science, or related discipline required;
• In-depth understanding of modern high-throughput molecular technologies in the life sciences (RNA-seq, spatial transcriptomics, immunohistochemistry) required;
• Prior experience with Bayesian inference, network inference, and image analysis are preferred, but exceptionally creative and driven scientists with an interest and adaptability will be seriously considered;
• Prior exposure to database management and/or privacy-preservation is preferred, but exceptionally creative and driven scientists with an interest and adaptability will be seriously considered;
• Strong oral and written communication, data documentation, and presentation skills required;
• Experience writing scientific articles for publication required;
• Ability to handle multiple projects at the same time required; and,
• Excellent collaborative and interpersonal skills, and willingness to work in a fast-paced team environment required.

Competencies

• Technical and Professional Skills: Consistently demonstrates skills and knowledge relevant for current role; strives to expand the depth and breadth of technical and professional skills; works with a high level of integrity; exhibits focus and discipline; appropriately prioritizes, manages expectations and delivers on commitments.
• Collaborative & Communicative: Models collaboration and teamwork; brings out the best in others; effectively works with all levels, internally and externally; respects and embraces diversity of perspective; communicates clearly and listens carefully; uses good judgment as to what to communicate and when to do so.
• Adaptable & Innovative: Adaptable and embraces change; develops new insights and pursues improvements and efficiency; fosters exchange of new ideas and willing to challenge the status quo; takes initiative and is solution-oriented; engages in work with passion and curiosity.

Salary

The pay range for this position is $58,500-68,000 per year; base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, NYGC offers a $1,000 per month taxable postdoctoral housing allowance and a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits as well as generous time off.

About the Gürsoy Lab

Dr. Gamze Gürsoy’s research group develops tools to analyze and understand large-scale omics data in relation to diseases and phenotypes. We are particularly interested in developing privacy-preserving software, file formats, and pipelines that enable broad sharing and analysis of sensitive genotypic and phenotypic data in public servers. We are also interested in developing tools to map the regulatory wiring of the chromatin to interrogate the regulatory variation affecting the molecular phenotypes associated with diseases. Much of our work focuses on creating reproducible, efficient, easy-to-use, and cloud-ready tools for the broad biomedical community. The computational work in the lab will be supported by experimental approaches, creating opportunities for cross-disciplinary studies. The lab is physically located at the New York Genome Center, but the Principal Investigator (“PI”) and trainees are also part of Department of Biomedical Informatics at Columbia University. We will also have active collaborations with the Department of Computer Science at Columbia University.

About the Center for Genomics of Neurodegenerative Disease at the New York Genome Center

The Center for Genomics of Neurodegenerative Disease (CGND) is led by Dr. Hemali Phatnani, who holds a joint faculty appointment at Columbia University, where she is Assistant Professor of Neurological Sciences. Dr. Phatnani’s lab is dedicated to the study of neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS and Dementia. The CGND at NYGC is the hub of a worldwide collaborative research effort centered on the genetics and genomics of ALS and FTD. The CGND’s vision is to integrate multiple data types, such as state of the art spatial genomics and imaging methods and clinical and histopathological characterizations of postmortem tissue, to study mechanisms of age-related decline and neurodegenerative disease. The Phatnani lab uses Spatial Transcriptomics (ST) to deconvolve both spatial and cell-type specific gene expression in the central nervous system; simultaneously measuring gene expression changes across entire brain or spinal cord regions from human tissue while retaining spatial information. In conjunction with such transcriptome-wide approaches, the Phatnani lab also developed tools and workflows to enable highly-multiplexed, high-throughput spatially-resolved immunofluorescence measurements on human tissue. The lab partners with several clinical centers within and outside the United States to apply these methods to the study of human postmortem tissue.

Mentoring Plan

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will be expected to meet regularly with Dr. Phatnani and Dr. Gürsoy at NYGC and Columbia Medical Center. This individual will also interact regularly with faculty at two institutions. The fellow will participate in regular group meetings at both CUMC and CGND, and will participate in meetings of NYC-wide neurodegenerative disease working groups.

About the New York Genome Center

The New York Genome Center (NYGC) is an independent, nonprofit, academic research organization dedicated to advancing genomic research. NYGC scientists and staff are furthering new approaches to diagnosing and treating neurological diseases and cancer through their unique capabilities in whole genome sequencing, RNA sequencing, state-of-the art analytics, and the development of genomic tools. NYGC concentrates specifically on disease-based research in the following areas: neuropsychiatric disease (autism, schizophrenia, bipolar); neurodegenerative disease (ALS, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s), and cancer.

Located in Lower Manhattan, the New York Genome Center was founded by and remains closely affiliated with the leading academic medical centers and research universities in the New York region, engaging in research projects with and for these institutions. Essential to our collaborative work is an outstanding faculty, whose members typically hold a joint appointment at NYGC and a partner university. They support our scientific mission by conducting independent research in areas of mutual interest to us and the wider scientific community.

Please note: We care greatly about our employees’ wellbeing, so NYGC has moved to a fully COVID-19 vaccinated work environment. You must be vaccinated against COVID-19 to work at NYGC, even if you are working partially remotely. If you are selected to interview for this role, we will explain our vaccination policy (including medical and religious exemptions) and ensure you are comfortable moving forward with further interviews.

Equal Opportunity

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to the core mission at the NYGC. We strive to create a workplace environment that is welcoming and fair to all regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability, or religion. We believe that when people of various backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives work together in an inclusive and equitable environment we gain new and valuable perspectives that otherwise would have been missed. Valuing and supporting all NYGC employees as individuals while helping them realize their full potential is critical to promoting greater collaboration, innovation, and discovery – fostering a sense of belonging for our greatest strength, our people. We recognize that there is still work to be done that will require sustained commitment from the entire organization.

The New York Genome Center is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, creed, color, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic predisposition or carrier status, protected veteran or military status, domestic violence victim status, partnership status, caregiver status, alienage or citizenship status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The New York Genome Center takes affirmative action in support of its policy to hire and advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

FLSA Status – Exempt

This position is eligible for visa sponsorship and relocation assistance.