Bioinformatics Postdoctoral Scientist and/or Staff Scientist – Columbia University in the City of New York

The Reitz Lab and Human Genetics Core at the Taub Institute for Research on the Aging Brain are recruiting multiple Postdoctoral Research Scientists and senior research scientists. The Reitz Lab generates and analyzes high-throughput multi-dimensional -omics data to study neurodegeneration and diseases of the central nervous system with emphasis on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The ultimate goal is to understand the biology of these diseases, to define novel biomarkers, and to identify novel therapeutical targets. The Taub Institute for Research on the Aging Brain at Columbia University is a world-leader in research of neurodegenerative diseases and the nucleus of a dynamic, translational, multidisciplinary endeavor bringing together Columbia University researchers and clinicians to uncover the causes of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other age-related brain diseases. It is renowned for its large-scale research cohorts of neurodegenerative disorders, which include various population and family-based large-scale datasets of various ancestries with deep phenotyping including clinical, neuroimaging, and fluid biomarker phenotypes.

We are seeking highly motivated researchers with strong analytical skills at both the PostDoc and staff scientist level to join our effort and generate novel insights of neurodegeneration using these unique datasets, while working in a highly dynamic multidisciplinary and collaborative environment. Dr. Reitz is well funded with several grants from the National Institute of Ageing.

Current research projects include the analyses of:

– GWAS, whole-exome and whole genome sequencing data of Neurodegenerative (ND) Disorders including blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and neuroimaging biomarkers

– Identification of rare genetic variants in large family-based and population-based whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing studies

– Brain transcriptomic analysis (RNA-seq)

– Plasma, CSF and Brain Proteomic analysis using Mendelian Randomization

– Identification of shared genetic architecture among ND traits (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson and FTD)

Requirements

The successful applicant will hold, or shortly expects to obtain, a PhD qualification in Genetics, Bioinformatics, Computer science, Data science, Statistical Genomics or a related discipline involving the interrogation of ‘omics’ datasets. Hands-on experience with large-scale human genomic or other omics datasets is expected. The candidate would have solid skills in at least one programming language (R, python or perl) and experience working in Linux and/or high-performance cluster environments. A strong ability to perform analytical reasoning to extract biological insights from data-driven approaches will be critical. In addition, familiarity with interrogating publicly available resources will be highly beneficial.

Interested candidates should send their cover letter and CV to Dr. Reitz (cr2101@cumc.columbia.edu).

We offer competitive salaries and benefits, please refer to the Human Resources website (https://humanresources.columbia.edu/). Information on being a postdoc at Columbia University can be found at https://research.columbia.edu/office-postdoctoral-affairs.

Diversity and Inclusion are core values at Columbia University. Columbia University seeks an exceptionally qualified and diverse faculty, staff, students and postdocs; women, minorities, protected veterans, and candidates with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.