Cancer Epigenomics and Data Sciences - MD Anderson
Houston, TX
About the Job
We are seeking a highly motivated and dedicated postdoctoral researcher to join our lab in a dynamic, hybrid role encompassing both hands-on epigenomic profiling in the wet lab and in-depth computational analysis in the dry lab. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to pioneering research at the intersection of genomics, cancer, and data science.
Key Training and Responsibilities
1. Wet Lab Research:
Your primary role will involve preparing FFPE and tissue samples and conducting advanced epigenomic profiling using techniques such as FFPE- CUTAC, CUT&Tag, and CUT&RUN to prepare sequencing libraries for next-generation sequencing (NGS). H&E staining is also expected, so some background in pathology will be advantageous but not required.
2. Computational Analysis:
The secondary focus is on computational analysis, where you will follow established pipelines to process raw sequencing data, perform quality checks, conduct detailed case-by-case analyses, and propose new statistical models or computational framework to tailor the analysis to specific scientific questions. Candidate need to be proficiency in R and/or Python programming, along with solid training in data analysis and modeling.
3. Professional Development Opportunities:
This position provides extensive training in grant writing, with a focus on prestigious early career development grants such as the K99 and Damon Runyon awards. You'll also gain valuable experience in laboratory management, including maintaining equipment, ordering reagents, and managing samples.
We are looking for an individual with a strong foundation in both wet lab techniques and computational analysis, coupled with a genuine passion for learning and growth. Whether you are already experienced or eager to develop new skills in computational programming, data analysis, or experimental epigenomics, you'll find ample opportunities to expand your expertise in our collaborative environment.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Wet Lab: (40%)
• Dissociate human and animal tissue and FFPE samples and prepare them for NGS-compatible experiments
• Tissue Staining (e.g. H&E stain)
• Conduct epigenomic profiling experiments using assays, including CUT&RUN, CUT&Tag, CUTAC, scCUT&Tag and scMulti-Tag
• Prepares libraries for bulk or single-cell sequencing
• PCR and Tapestation quality check
• Performs tissue and cell culture work
• Assist with administrative responsibilities associated with collecting human and animal tissue and FFPE samples
• Record and evaluate data quality in accordance with the methods requested
• Maintain records of human samples received, data produced, and their location
Dry Lab: (40%)
• Conduct raw sequencing data processing and quality control analysis
• Conduct standard data analysis according to the computational pipeline
• Conduct customized preliminary data analysis in a case-by-case manner
• Develop new statistical models, computational tools, or pipelines to better analyze the data for the specific scientific target
• Draft manuscript and contribute to the grant preparation
• Present research work at weekly meetings, domestic or international conferences
Grant and general lab management: (20%)
• Prepare grant applications eligible to postdoctoral researchers
• Aids and supports the PI in the research and laboratory maintenance and organization efforts
• Place orders for reagents, equipment, and other items as needed
• Assists with the maintenance of laboratory equipment and the overall organization of the lab
• Train students and new members in research procedures and in the use of laboratory equipment
• Participate and help other lab members with ongoing projects in the lab
• Constructs, assembles, and operates laboratory apparatus and equipment
• Maintains lab safety and organization
• Other duties as assigned
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
1. Ph.D. in Statistics, Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Epigenomics, Biology, Biotechnology, Immunology, Genomics, Pathology, Engineering, Computer Science or related field
2. Extensive Wet Lab Experience:
• Solid training in wet lab techniques with hands-on experience in epigenomic profiling methods.
• Proficiency in next-generation sequencing (NGS) library preparation and data analysis.
• Experience with histopathology techniques, including H&E staining.
3. Strong Computational Skills:
• Proficient in programming languages R and/or Python.
• Experienced in processing and analyzing bulk and single-cell genomic data.
• Past course or research training in statistics, including mathematical statistics, statistical inference, and linear regression.
• Demonstrated experience in developing computational tools, products, or pipelines.
• Ability to conduct highly organized and reproducible research.
4. Strong communication and collaboration ability.
ADDITIONAL APPLICATION INFORMATION
PI website with other potential project descriptions can be found at https://yezhengstat.github.io/. To apply, please email (1) a cover letter describing past contributions to the field, future research plan, career development plan, scientific motivation and interests that align with Dr. Zheng's lab, (2) a curriculum vitae that includes publications and GitHub links of past project codes or developed software, and (3) emails and phone numbers of a list of three references to Dr. Ye Zheng at yzheng8@mdanderson.org.
POSITION INFORMATION
MD Anderson offers full-time postdoc positions with a salary ranging from $64,000 to $76,000. depending on the number of years of postgraduate experience. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition05/01/2025
Key Training and Responsibilities
1. Wet Lab Research:
Your primary role will involve preparing FFPE and tissue samples and conducting advanced epigenomic profiling using techniques such as FFPE- CUTAC, CUT&Tag, and CUT&RUN to prepare sequencing libraries for next-generation sequencing (NGS). H&E staining is also expected, so some background in pathology will be advantageous but not required.
2. Computational Analysis:
The secondary focus is on computational analysis, where you will follow established pipelines to process raw sequencing data, perform quality checks, conduct detailed case-by-case analyses, and propose new statistical models or computational framework to tailor the analysis to specific scientific questions. Candidate need to be proficiency in R and/or Python programming, along with solid training in data analysis and modeling.
3. Professional Development Opportunities:
This position provides extensive training in grant writing, with a focus on prestigious early career development grants such as the K99 and Damon Runyon awards. You'll also gain valuable experience in laboratory management, including maintaining equipment, ordering reagents, and managing samples.
We are looking for an individual with a strong foundation in both wet lab techniques and computational analysis, coupled with a genuine passion for learning and growth. Whether you are already experienced or eager to develop new skills in computational programming, data analysis, or experimental epigenomics, you'll find ample opportunities to expand your expertise in our collaborative environment.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Wet Lab: (40%)
• Dissociate human and animal tissue and FFPE samples and prepare them for NGS-compatible experiments
• Tissue Staining (e.g. H&E stain)
• Conduct epigenomic profiling experiments using assays, including CUT&RUN, CUT&Tag, CUTAC, scCUT&Tag and scMulti-Tag
• Prepares libraries for bulk or single-cell sequencing
• PCR and Tapestation quality check
• Performs tissue and cell culture work
• Assist with administrative responsibilities associated with collecting human and animal tissue and FFPE samples
• Record and evaluate data quality in accordance with the methods requested
• Maintain records of human samples received, data produced, and their location
Dry Lab: (40%)
• Conduct raw sequencing data processing and quality control analysis
• Conduct standard data analysis according to the computational pipeline
• Conduct customized preliminary data analysis in a case-by-case manner
• Develop new statistical models, computational tools, or pipelines to better analyze the data for the specific scientific target
• Draft manuscript and contribute to the grant preparation
• Present research work at weekly meetings, domestic or international conferences
Grant and general lab management: (20%)
• Prepare grant applications eligible to postdoctoral researchers
• Aids and supports the PI in the research and laboratory maintenance and organization efforts
• Place orders for reagents, equipment, and other items as needed
• Assists with the maintenance of laboratory equipment and the overall organization of the lab
• Train students and new members in research procedures and in the use of laboratory equipment
• Participate and help other lab members with ongoing projects in the lab
• Constructs, assembles, and operates laboratory apparatus and equipment
• Maintains lab safety and organization
• Other duties as assigned
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
1. Ph.D. in Statistics, Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Epigenomics, Biology, Biotechnology, Immunology, Genomics, Pathology, Engineering, Computer Science or related field
2. Extensive Wet Lab Experience:
• Solid training in wet lab techniques with hands-on experience in epigenomic profiling methods.
• Proficiency in next-generation sequencing (NGS) library preparation and data analysis.
• Experience with histopathology techniques, including H&E staining.
3. Strong Computational Skills:
• Proficient in programming languages R and/or Python.
• Experienced in processing and analyzing bulk and single-cell genomic data.
• Past course or research training in statistics, including mathematical statistics, statistical inference, and linear regression.
• Demonstrated experience in developing computational tools, products, or pipelines.
• Ability to conduct highly organized and reproducible research.
4. Strong communication and collaboration ability.
ADDITIONAL APPLICATION INFORMATION
PI website with other potential project descriptions can be found at https://yezhengstat.github.io/. To apply, please email (1) a cover letter describing past contributions to the field, future research plan, career development plan, scientific motivation and interests that align with Dr. Zheng's lab, (2) a curriculum vitae that includes publications and GitHub links of past project codes or developed software, and (3) emails and phone numbers of a list of three references to Dr. Ye Zheng at yzheng8@mdanderson.org.
POSITION INFORMATION
MD Anderson offers full-time postdoc positions with a salary ranging from $64,000 to $76,000. depending on the number of years of postgraduate experience. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition
Source : MD Anderson