Overview

As a part of the in the at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the seeks a highly driven, full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate to develop computational pipelines and machine learning approaches to quantify obesity risk and predict its effects by leveraging large-scale omics data. This position requires relocation to Memphis, TN. When possible, it will involve travel for collaborative purposes to Denmark. is run by four partners with highly complementary expertise in the fields of adipocyte biology, transcriptional regulation, signal transduction, physiology, and computational systems biology:

, Prof., Dept. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SDU, DK

, Prof., Dept. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SDU, DK

, Member, Dept. of Structural Biology SJCRH, USA

, Assoc. Prof., NNF Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, DK

The Babu Group works with its partners in the Centre for Adipocyte Signaling () to understand the impact of natural genome variation on adipocyte signaling function and how changes in these signaling states during the development of obesity contribute to the pathophysiological consequences of obesity. We are looking for a candidate to develop and employ state-of-the-art computational genetics and genomics methods aimed at understanding the molecular basis of obesity phenotypes and how genetic variation contributes to the occurrence and development of obesity.

The successful candidate will have a solid understanding of statistical genetics, strong programming skills such as Python and/or R, and a proven track record in large-scale human phenotype and genome variation data analysis and polygenic risk score calculation. Interest in adipocyte biology, G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling, transcription, metabolic pathways, and/or nuclear receptors is desirable. When submitting your application, please include your CV with a cover letter, and be prepared to submit three letters of recommendation.

Responsibilities

• To develop and employ state-of-the-art computational genetics and genomics methods aimed at understanding the molecular basis of obesity phenotypes and how genetic variation contributes to the occurrence and development of obesity.

• To establish computational pipelines and develop machine learning approaches to analyze human genomic data to quantify obesity risk and predict its effects.
• To maintain collaborative interactions with partners in ADIPOSIGN and provide support for data analysis, interpretation, and presentation of variation datasets.
• To collaborate with other members of the Babu Group and contribute to lab-wide discussions on developments in computational/statistical genetics and genomics.
• To draft scientific papers and contribute to the overall preparation of research for publication.

Opportunities for Professional Growth

• The candidate will have the opportunity to travel and present scientific work at consortium meetings, progress report meetings, and external conferences.
• The candidate will have the opportunity to receive training in grant writing to gain practical experience in formulating research proposals, navigating funding opportunities, and effectively communicating scientific ideas.
• The candidate will have the opportunity to participate in internal and external training workshops on cutting-edge techniques such as single-cell and spatial genomics data analysis.
• The candidate will have the opportunity to learn the role of GPCR and Kinase signaling in human physiology and disease.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is consistently named as one of Fortune magazine and Glassdoor.com's "Best Places to Work," as well as "Best Workplace for Women" and "Best Workplace for Diversity." We are in the heart of , a vibrant and friendly city at the historic American crossroads of . Mild winters and beautiful green outdoor spaces are part of the reasons why Forbes recently named Memphis the 4th happiest city in which to work. and are other attractions; Money magazine listed Memphis as one of the least expensive cities in which to raise a child. St. Jude salaries are highly competitive.

The Babu Group strives to build and maintain a culture of respect, diversity, and inclusion and we strongly feel these values directly contribute to the dynamic and intellectually stimulating scientific environment we can provide.

Minimum Education

A PhD in computational human genetics or computational genomics. If you have a PhD in statistical genetics, the ideal candidate will also have an extensive research experience working with human genetics datasets with a good molecular understanding of the basis of phenotypic diversity.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has a diverse, global patient population and workforce, built on the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion. Our founder Danny Thomas envisioned a hospital that would treat children of the world-regardless of race, religion or a family's ability to pay. .

Today, we continue the mission to advance cures and means of prevention for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. As we accelerate this progress globally, we believe our legacy of diversity, equity and inclusion is foundational to success. With the commitment of leaders at all levels of the organization, we strive to ensure the St. Jude culture, leadership approaches and talent processes are equitable and culturally responsive. View our to learn about the hospital's roots in diversity, equity and inclusion, where we are today and our aspirations for an even better future.

No Search Firms

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. Please do not call or email. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee or other representative at St. Jude via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place and approved by HR will result in no fee being paid in the event the candidate is hired by St. Jude.