Post-Doctoral Fellow

Job Summary:

The Stranger Lab at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus welcomes applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow

Dr. Stranger's Lab is at the forefront of groundbreaking research, merging human genetics, bioinformatics, statistical analysis of multidimensional data, and cutting-edge computer science to unravel the complexities of health and disease. Our team pioneers the analysis of diverse genetics, genomics, and clinical data to uncover new insights into genome function and the genetic basis of complex phenotypes. By innovating methods to identify and interpret context-specific genetic effects, the lab is advancing discoveries on the impact of sex and gender on the genetics of complex traits. Our current research spans critical areas including cancer, neuropsychiatric and cardiac traits, immune-mediated traits, clinical laboratory tests, and women's health. We are seeking passionate individuals who are driven to significantly impact the field through groundbreaking research and inventive solutions.

The Postdoctoral Fellow will join a highly interactive, supportive, and interdisciplinary group of faculty, staff scientists, postdoctoral fellows, engineers, and students in the Department for Biomedical Informatics who are inventing and deploying advanced analytics and knowledge integration approaches. They will also join the thriving community of the Ludeman Family Center for Women's Health Research that supports women's health research and the researchers leading discoveries in sex and gender medicine and women's health. The goal of building this community is to make the Anschutz Medical Campus a leader in translating data into advances in research discoveries, health care delivery, and population health and in scaling these to provide nationwide benefit through innovative technologies.

Key Responsibilities:

Research (65%)

• Investigate literature to identify existing solutions to data analysis
• Develop and apply state-of-the-art algorithms and models to genetics, genomics, and clinical data
• Design and conduct experiments to test hypotheses with applied statistics
• Analyze and interpret results, present research progress to meetings with PIs, and publish results to peer-reviewed manuscripts in conference proceedings and journals
• Develop research proposal and apply for funding
• Assist PI with grant writing

Communication (15%)

• Present research progress at lab meeting and project meetings with collaborators
• Prepare abstract/manuscripts for journal and conference paper submission, present at national and international conferences.

Mentoring and collaboration (10%)

• Mentor and train other group members, such as graduate and undergraduate students.
• Pursue computational, experimental, and clinical collaborations.

Career development (5%)

• Work with the PI to develop and progress the candidate's career goals.
• Attend career development seminars and networking events.

Administrative Duties (5%)

• Complete required research training.
• Perform general administrative duties as requested by the PI.

Work Location:

Hybrid - this role is eligible for a hybrid schedule of 3 days per week on campus and as needed for in-person meetings.

Why Join Us:

The Department of Biomedical Informatics (DBMI), located in the magnificent new Health Science building with a fabulous view of the Rocky Mountains, provides a fantastic environment for trainees to thrive and pursue their career goals. DBMI has a dedicated team for Grants Development and Scientific Writing, and a Software Engineering Team that can provide invaluable feedback to improve the quality of your code and your programming skills.

The Stranger Lab at DBMI provides a dynamic and innovative environment where cutting-edge genetics research integrates with sex differences and women's health. Collaborate daily with statistical geneticists, bioinformaticians, computer scientists, and medical doctors to make biomedical discoveries to improve health for all. As the largest academic health sciences campus in the Rocky Mountain region, CU Anschutz encompasses six health professional schools, over 60 centers and institutes, and two nationally ranked partner hospitals. This vibrant department offers unique opportunities for growth, collaboration, and impact. Our location not only provides unprecedented access to urban amenities and cultural experiences in Denver but also places you minutes away from some of the nation's best outdoor activities, including hiking in the Rocky Mountains and skiing in Vail and Aspen.

The PI is committed to supporting the candidate's research progress and career development, including exploring new project areas and collaborations. With her experience in grant-writing and reviewing, the PI will provide guidance and assistance for submission of Research Career Development Awards (e.g., NIH K99/R00) if aligned with the candidate's goals. The Stranger Lab also provides numerous opportunities for national and international collaborations with researchers across the field of Human Genetics and Genomics, Biomedical Informatics, and Medicine.

The University of Colorado offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, tuition benefits, ECO pass, paid time off - vacation, sick, and holidays and more. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits-wellness.

Diversity and Equity:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty and administrative staff. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. We encourage applications from women, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons within the LGBTQ+ community and all veterans. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

• PhD in Statistical Genetics, Human Genetics, Biostatistics, Biomedical Informatics, Computational Biology, or related field

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with large-scale human genetics and genomics data
• Experience performing large-scale data analysis, including data-wrangling, statistical analyses, or machine learning.
• Experience with the standard suite of statistical genetics tools (R, imputation, phasing, GWAS tools, eQTL mapping, colocalization, Mendelian Randomization, etc.)
• Programming expertise, including data management, code documentation, version control, code dissemination.
• First author publications on relevant large-scale human genetics and genomics topics
• Demonstrated experience with high-performance computing environments or cloud computing.
• Experience with analysis of electronic health record data
• Experience in machine learning preferred, but not a must

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated commitment to promoting inclusion in the workplace
• Ability to learn quickly and apply new analytic techniques
• Knowledge of commonly-used genetic biobanks (e.g., UK Biobank, AllofUs, FinnGen) and human genetic variation panels (e.g, 1000 Genomes Project, TOPMed).
• Knowledge of large-scale functional genomics data resources (e.g., ENCODE, GTEx, TCGA, TOPMed, other).
• Proficiency in scientific communication as evidenced by peer-reviewed conference proceedings, manuscripts, and presentations at national or international conferences.
• Expert knowledge of statistical principles relevant in human population genetics, statistical genetics, and genomics research
• Experience working with human sex chromosome genetics and genomics data, preferred.
• Strong skills in data visualization.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to disseminate results to a wide variety of audiences
• Commitment to health equity, as well as interest in women's health and sex differences.
• Good organizational skills across multiple projects
• An intellectually curious and positive attitude, and the ability to work with a variety of investigators and colleagues

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1. A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position

2. Curriculum vitae / Resume

3. Five professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

4. Github, if available

Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers.

Questions should be directed to: Michelle Fiandra - dbmi.hr@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by December 1, 2024.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as HIRING RANGE:

$70,000, which is above the current NIH salary range. Higher salaries for finalist(s) selected for this role may be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training.

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position is not eligible for overtime compensation unless it is non-exempt.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@ucdenver.edu.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.