St. Jude Children's Research Hospital logo

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Hematology

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Memphis, TNOnsitePosted 52 days ago
Full TimeEntry LevelBioinformatics & Data ScienceResearch Institute
Original posting ↗

Summary

The Cheng Laboratory at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate with expertise in bioinformatics, computational genomics, and machine learning to develop computational approaches at the intersection of functional genomics, genome engineering, and therapeutic development.

Job description

Our laboratory integrates computational and functional genomic approaches to understand genetic variation and develop new strategies for precision medicine. The successful candidate will work in a highly collaborative environment combining large-scale genomic data, functional genomic screening, genome editing, machine learning, and experimental validation.

A major component of this position will contribute to an ARPA-H-supported program focused on developing personalized genome-editing therapies for rare diseases. The program includes development of AI models for predicting biochemical and cellular genome-editing activity and off-target effects, with experimental data used for model training and prospective validation.

Research Focus

The postdoctoral fellow will develop and apply computational and machine-learning approaches to problems in functional genomics and genome engineering. Research areas may include:

  • Developing machine-learning and deep-learning models to predict genome-editing activity, specificity, and off-target effects.
  • Integrating genomic sequence with high-throughput biochemical, cellular, and functional genomic data.
  • Developing computational methods for analysis and interpretation of genome-editing and functional genomic datasets.
  • Applying modern ML approaches to understand the effects of genetic variation and improve genome-engineering strategies.
  • Working closely with experimental collaborators to design, evaluate, and validate computational models.

The position will also provide flexibility to pursue broader methodological and biological questions in computational genomics, functional genomics, and AI/ML.

Qualifications

Candidates should have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in bioinformatics, computational biology, genomics, computer science, statistics, biomedical engineering, data science, or a related quantitative field.

Ideal candidates will have:

  • Strong experience in bioinformatics, computational genomics, or related areas.
  • Solid experience developing and evaluating machine-learning or statistical models.
  • Strong programming skills in Python and/or R.
  • Experience analyzing genomic, sequencing, or other large-scale biological datasets.
  • Strong quantitative and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability and enthusiasm to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment.
  • Strong scientific communication skills.

Experience with genome editing, functional genomic screening, sequence-based deep learning, or related technologies is a plus but not required. Candidates with strong computational and machine-learning backgrounds who are interested in learning genome engineering are encouraged to apply.

Requirements

  • Ph.D. or equivalent degree in bioinformatics, computational biology, genomics, computer science, statistics, biomedical engineering, data science, or a related quantitative field
  • Strong experience in bioinformatics, computational genomics, or related areas
  • Solid experience developing and evaluating machine-learning or statistical models
  • Strong programming skills in Python and/or R
  • Experience analyzing genomic, sequencing, or other large-scale biological datasets
  • Strong quantitative and problem-solving skills
  • Ability and enthusiasm to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment
  • Strong scientific communication skills

Company overview

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is a world-renowned pediatric research and treatment institution headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, dedicated to advancing cures for childhood cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Founded in 1962 by entertainer Danny Thomas, it stands as the first and only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted exclusively to children. The hospital operates on a unique funding model where families never receive bills for treatment, travel, housing, or food, with costs exceeding $2 billion annually primarily supported by donations through its fundraising organization ALSAC. St. Jude treats approximately 8,600 patients each year from all 50 states and around the world, with a focus on acute lymphoblastic leukemia, brain tumors, sickle cell disease, and infectious diseases. The institution employs over 7,000 staff members and maintains eight affiliate clinics across the United States. Through its St. Jude Global initiative, the hospital shares research and treatment protocols internationally, partnering with more than 350 institutions in over 90 countries. St. Jude has been instrumental in increasing childhood cancer survival rates from 20% in 1962 to over 80% today, while maintaining a robust research program that includes gene therapy, bone marrow transplantation, and precision medicine approaches.

Explore more jobs of your matchFind more biopharma roles with GetBioJob.