The Department of Genetics is seeking a Research Associate in Genomics (Life Science Research Professional 1) to join the Steinmetz Laboratory to map the regulatory wiring of the human genome to discover and understand the genetic mechanisms of diseases. This is a joint position between the Steinmetz and Engreitz Laboratories and will be in close collaboration with both research groups. The position is open, and a successful candidate could join immediately.
Steinmetz Lab overview: A central challenge in systems genetics and precision health is to understand how genetic and environmental perturbations affect health, wellness and disease. Our research is directed at understanding such complex traits. To do so, we develop novel genomic approaches to study the molecular processes that link genotype to phenotype, identify the causal underlying factors, and quantify their contributions. By combining novel experimental technologies with computational analyses, members of the lab study the molecular processes linking genotype to phenotype, identify the causal underlying factors, and quantify their contributions.
Engreitz Lab overview: The Engreitz lab works toward mapping the complex regulatory wiring that connects millions of regulatory elements with thousands of genes in thousands of human cell types to understand the genetic mechanisms underlying common and rare diseases. The Lab has 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). Members of the lab 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 molecular and computational biologists. Candidates will train to lead and design genomics projects that push the boundaries of genomic technology and reveal the functions of genetic variants associated with human diseases.
Specific projects include: to design, perform 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.
The Steimetz and Engreitz Laboratories are dynamic, interdisciplinary workplaces 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 a backgound in molecular biology; experience with statistical methods in data analysis, preferably with applications to high-throughput sequencing or other biological assays, is desired; enthusiasm for using cutting-edge experimental technologies together with computational approaches to learn fundamental mechanisms of gene regulation and understand human disease; 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 functional impact of genetic variation.
- Design and implement 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
*Other duties may also be assigned
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, genetics, computational biology or related field. Talented applicants of all levels are encouraged to apply.
- Demonstrated expertise in performing and analyzing genomics experiments, 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 in related scientific field.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED):
- General understanding of scientific principles. Demonstrated performance to use knowledge and skills when needed.
- Demonstrated ability to apply theoretical knowledge of science principals to problem solve work.
- Ability to maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.
- General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs, databases, and scientific applications.
- Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance.
- Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to accurately complete detailed work.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:
- Sitting in place at computer for long periods of time with extensive keyboarding/dexterity.
- Frequently stand, walk, twist, bend, stoop, squat, grasp lightly, use fine manipulation, grasp forcefully, perform desk-based computer tasks, use telephone, write by hand, lift, carry, push and pull objects weighing over 40 pounds.
- Occasionally sit, kneel, crawl, reach and work above shoulders, sort and file paperwork or parts.
- Rarely climb, scrub, sweep, mop, chop and mix or operate hand and foot controls.
- Must have correctible vision to perform duties of the job.
- Ability to bend, squat, kneel, stand, reach above shoulder level, and move on hard surfaces for up to eight hours.
- Ability to lift heavy objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to work in a dusty, dirty, and odorous environment.
- Position may require repetitive motion.
*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:
- May require working in close proximity to blood borne pathogens.
- May require work in an environment where animals are used for teaching and research.
- Position may at times require the employee to work with or be in areas where hazardous materials and/or infectious diseases are present.
- Employee must perform tasks that require the use of personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses and shoes, protective clothing and gloves, and possibly a respirator.
- May require extended or unusual work hours based on research requirements and business needs.
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 bases 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.
The expected pay range for this position is $54,000 to $71,000 per annum.
Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.
