USA: Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Translational Bioinformatics, Boston University

Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Translational Bioinformatics, Boston University, USA

The Pulmonomics laboratory at Boston University School of Medicine (http://pulmonomics.org) is seeking a creative and motivated postdoctoral fellow to join the laboratory and participate in our active and well-funded research program aimed at gaining insights into the physiological responses to tobacco-smoke exposure and how variability in these responses contributes to tobacco-related diseases such as lung cancer and COPD. These aims are pursued primarily using genome-wide gene-expression data.

Current areas of interest include using high-throughput sequencing technology to discover tobacco-smoke-exposure- and disease-associated novel small RNAs and transcript variants, using network reconstruction algorithms to discover potential regulatory mechanisms underlying disease-associated gene-expression patterns, understanding how small regulatory RNAs such as microRNAs contribute to this process, and developing sensitive and specific biomarkers able to diagnose disease and/or predict therapeutic outcome. Candidates should have or be close to obtaining a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in bioinformatics, computational biology, biostatistics, computer science, or a closely related field. Applicants must possess good communication skills and be fluent in both spoken and written English. Critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and the ability to work semi-independently are required. Prior successful experience working with and developing statistical algorithms for analyzing high dimensional datasets is required. Experience analyzing genome-wide gene-expression data is strongly desired. Experience programming with Perl and the R statistical language, as well as experience with databases such as MySQL is preferred.

The postdoctoral position is a temporary appointment, the chief objective being to qualify the selected candidate for work in senior positions in their disciplines. Grants to the laboratory provide funding for the position through September 2012, and the selected candidate will be encouraged to seek independent fellowship funding. The selected candidate will be jointly supervised by Dr. Avrum Spira and Dr. Marc Lenburg, have access to the robust bioinformatics infrastructure at Boston University, and will receive a competitive salary and benefits package.

Interested individuals should send or email a letter of intent/cover letter, a CV with contact info for three references, and a 1-2 page description of relevant previous accomplishments to Ms. Erika Langer; pulmonomics[ at ]gmail.com; The Pulmonary Center, Boston University School of Medicine, 715 Albany Street, R-304, Boston, MA 02118.

The closing date for receipt of applications for this position is May 25th, 2009.