Postdoctoral Fellow–Molecular Aging Initiative, with a background in Molecular Biology.

The Englander Institute for Precision Medicine (EIPM) at Weill Cornell Medicine is seeking a postdoctoral fellow with a background in molecular biology or a related field to join our team.  We are seeking a dynamic individual with leadership qualities who will be responsible for designing and executing studies focused on clonal hematopoiesis and model development – to reduce the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease associated with aging.

A priority of the EIPM is to develop innovative new ways of predicting risk of future disease through (i) identification of somatic changes in the peripheral blood such as clonal hematopoiesis via cohort-based and population-based studies (ii) develop targeted clinical trials and pre-clinical models based on these somatic changes; and (iii) change the standard of care and reduce age-related adverse outcomes via drug development. Our research is focused on the utilization of patient samples to ascertain the functional impact of genetic and epigenetic alterations that occur during normal aging and that have known associations with cancer and cardiovascular disease.  Our goal is to translate these findings to the clinic.

The work will be performed under the supervision of Dr. Pinkal Desai, the EIPM Molecular Aging Institute’s Clinical Director. The candidate will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team composed of basic scientists, computational biologists, pathologists, and medical oncologists, with significant resources for bioinformatics support and studies in human tissues.

The candidate is expected to perform experiments exploring next generation sequencing methods and implementation, clonal hematopoiesis model development, bone marrow microenvironment, bone marrow metabolism, and genetic and epigenetic alterations using a variety of systems including cell lines, co-culture systems, xenografts, and genetically engineered mouse models.  A desire to develop and implement new methodologies is highly advantageous.  There will be numerous opportunities for training to complement current skills, and we envision numerous collaborations with other outstanding scientists.

Applicants should have experience in a related field, together with a strong publication record, and strong previous research experience in genomics, bioinformatics, or related fields. Experience with several of the following activities would be desirable: characterization of genetically engineered mouse models, work with patient-derived xenografts and culture of primary cells.  Initial salary is commensurate with experience. Applying for independent funding is not required, but is strongly encouraged for the career development of the candidate.

Position Activities

• Perform experiments using next generation sequencing, clonal hematopoiesis model development, bone marrow microenvironment, bone marrow metabolism, measurable residual disease post-therapy, and genetic and epigenetic alterations using a variety of systems including cell lines, co-culture systems, xenografts, and genetically engineered mouse models.  An interest in advancing methods.

Requirements

• MD and/or PhD in biological sciences, biochemistry or related field
• Minimum 2 years laboratory experience
• Strong publication record
• Driven and Self-motivated – Willingness to tackle and drive execution of challenging projects
• Ability to learn and deliver work in fast-paced and diverse environment
• Comfortable with communicating and working alongside a diverse team of scientists and medical professionals
• Preferred experience: next generation sequencing, genomics, molecular biology expertise
• Desirable experience: characterization of genetically engineered mouse models, work with patient-derived xenografts and culture of primary cells
• Excellent organization and documentation skills

 Desired Skills

• Strong communication skills and an ability to interact well with others
• Detail-oriented

To Apply

Interested candidates should forward their CV/resumes, with cover letter, two letters of recommendation to EIPMadmin@med.cornell.edu

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