Postdoctoral Openings
Posted October 9, 2009
SciBay: A New Methodology for Scientific Collaboration and Gene Function Determination
Research and Database Engineering Positions
Computational and Experimental Researchers, and a Database Engineer (or bioinformatician) are needed for a research consortium aimed to dramatically improve the quality and coverage of functional gene annotation using computational predictions and experimental assays. As many as six new hires will potentially be considered for this new initiative.
The ideal candidates for the database engineering position would have background in biological databases, web portals and/or data mining. However, creativity, advanced degree or other relevant prior experience will be considered as hiring criteria.
Applicants for computational research positions must have a PhD in computational biology (bioinformatics) or related fields such as biophysics, biology, biostatistics, computer science, engineering, genetics or physics.
Applicants for a Biological Curator position must have a PhD in life sciences (preferentially in protein science) with some knowledge of bioinformatics.
Applicants for an Experimental Postdoc must have a PhD in the life sciences, and will perform proteomic experiments using mass spectrometry (prior experience desired), and a variety of biochemical assays using standard molecular and cellular protocols.
The positions are available immediately. Salary is dependent on prior experience and other qualifications. Please send a detailed resume and contact information (email/phone) of two references to scibay1@gmail.com. Subject line: Scibay Positions.
Posted October 8, 2009
Post-doctoral research fellow in Translational Bioinformatics, Boston University
We are seeking a creative and motivated postdoctoral fellow to join our lab within the Department of Medicine and participate in our active research program aimed at using genomic approaches to understand the physiological response to tobacco-smoke and how this response contributes to diseases such as lung cancer and COPD. 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, understanding how small regulatory RNAs such as microRNAs contribute to these processes, 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, 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 algorithms for analyzing high dimensional biological datasets is required. Experience analyzing genome-wide gene-expression data is strongly desired. Experience R, Perl and MySQL is preferred. Current grants to the laboratory guarantee 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@gmail.com; Computational Biomedicine, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, E-631, Boston, MA 02118.
The closing date for receipt of applications for this position is December 1st, 2009 with interviews likely to be held in January, 2010.
Posted October 5, 2009
BOSTON UNIVERSITY JOB DESCRIPTION
PRIMARY PURPOSE: The main area of investigation is the neuroanatomical and neurochemical basis of the developmental neurological disorder, autism. The work involves the use of the microtome to cut post-mortem human tissue sections obtained from family donations from Brain Banks from individuals with autism and matched controls. The tissue is stained with standard stains and processed through a number of lab procedures including immunocytochemistry, receptro binding and in situ hybridization techniques. It also includes stereology (neuronal counting) and microscope work as well as data analysis using computer programs. The successful candidate will oversee lab projects, report on a regular basis to mentor, be responsible for working individually and in a group setting including technicians and students on particular lab projects. The lab environment is a professional environment and we expect dedication, ethics, respect and dependability at all times. In addition to laboratory work, administrative duties are also part of the job. Helping with grants, ordering lab supplies, literature searches, keeping organized files, etc. are additional duties. The position is available immediately and is for 1-2 years based on a funded grant ending on 8/31/11.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS* % of TIME
• Conducting neuroscience experiments in the lab 30
• Processing tissue sections from postmortem brains 10
• Ordering lab supplies 5
• Helping with grants 15
• Data Analysis 15
• Stereology – counting labeled neurons 10
• Working with other lab personnel on a variety of projects 15
JOB SPECIFICATIONS: KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES
Qualifications (Minimum education & experience level required): Ph.D. degree in a neuroscience-related field; minimum of 1-2 years lab experience.
Skill requirements (include complexity of position): computer skills, mathematics, basic lab skills, motivated to learn
Interpersonal skills (include personal interaction): getting along well with others, ability to work both independently and as a team; high degree of motivation and dedication, dependable, and displaying a high level of interest.
Confidential data:
All information (written, verbal, electronic, etc.) that an employee encounters while working at Boston University is considered confidential. Will be exposed to and required to deal with highly confidential and sensitive material. Must adhere to Boston University compliance policy, department guidelines/policies and all applicable laws and regulations at all times.
Working Conditions or Additional requirements (include special requirements, e.g., lifting, travel, overtime)
*Essential functions occur simultaneously, therefore, the employee must be able to appropriately handle each essential function, prioritize them and seek assistance when necessary. These functions need to be performed on a consistent and regular basis, using good judgment. Ability to learn and apply Boston University policies consistently, seeking out guidance when necessary, is required.
THIS DESCRIPTION IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A COMPLETE STATEMENT OF JOB CONTENT, BUT RATHER TO SERVE AS A GENERAL GUIDE TO THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION. BOSTON UNIVERSITY RETAINS THE DISCRETION TO ADD TO OR CHANGE THE DUTIES OF THE POSITION AT ANY TIME.
Posted October 1, 2009
Postdoctoral Fellow-Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Diabetes- Boston University School of Medicine
Postdoctoral position is available at the Boston University School of Medicine. Our research interests focus on the molecular mechanism of novel signaling molecules that control energy homeostasis, and diabetes and associated cardiovascular disease. Current research program includes exploring the role of AMP-activated protein kinase, NAD-dependent deacetylase, Sirtuin (SIRT1), sterol-regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs) in the control of energy metabolism, diabetes and atherosclerosis (J Biol Chem. 2008, 283:20015; Diabetes. 2006, 55:2180; J Biol Chem. 2004, 279:47898;). The new signaling network has important implications for the understanding of metabolic regulation and treatment of human metabolic syndromes, such as diabetes and obesity.
Requirements include a Ph.D. in Molecular or Cell Biology, Biomedical Science or similar. We are seeking highly motivated, enthusiastic and interactive individuals interested in dissecting the molecular mechanisms of metabolic regulation and pathogenesis of insulin resistance, diabetes and cardiovascular complications in animal models. Priority will be given to candidates with a strong expertise in the diabetic mouse models and in vivo analysis of insulin-sensitive tissue functions, glucose homeostasis and insulin resistance. Previous experience in the generation of transgenic and/or knockout mouse lines is preferred. Strong experience with the signal transduction, molecular and cell biology (e.g. adenoviral transduction of expression or shRNA constructs) are also desirable. Good command of spoken and written English and excellent communication and team skills are required.
Please send a cover letter which describes past research experience and a brief statement for research interests and research plan, CV, and contact information of three references to mwzang1@bu.edu.
Mengwei Zang, M.D., Ph.D.,
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Boston University School of Medicine
650 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118
Lab website: http://www.bumc.bu.edu/csdl/
Position 1: Postdoctoral Research Associate in Molecular Toxicology and Genomics
Seeking highly motivated and independent Postdoctoral Research Associate who will use mouse and cell-based models to study genomic and epigenetic actions of environmental chemicals and other xenobiotics, including endocrine disruptor chemicals as they affect developmental processes, interactions with nuclear receptors and expression of genes involved in foreign compound metabolism, including cytochromes P450. Genome-wide technologies, including microarrays, ChIP-Seq, and next-generation sequencing will be used in combination with traditional molecular approaches and computational analysis to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of action of environmental chemicals and their effects on development. This work is part of the Superfund Research Program at Boston University. Expertise in using genome-wide approaches to study transcriptional regulation of gene expression, epigenetic control mechanisms, chromatin biology and/or cell signaling is highly desirable; a strong interest in learning to apply computational tools to microarray analysis, ChIP-Seq and/or experience using mouse models is preferred.
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Position 2: Postdoctoral Research Associate in Molecular Endocrinology and Cell Signaling
Seeking highly motivated and independent Postdoctoral Research Associate who will study growth hormone action and JAK-STAT signaling using genome-wide technologies combined with traditional molecular approaches to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that determine sexually dimorphic gene expression in the liver (Molecular Pharmacology (2009) 76: 215-228). Expertise in using genome-wide approaches to study transcriptional regulation of gene expression, epigenetic control mechanisms, chromatin and/or cell signaling is highly desirable; a strong interest in using bioinformatics tools for analysis of microarray and ChIP-Seq data sets is highly desirable.
Start date is flexible. Send curriculum vitae, summary of research experience and interests and names of three references (including present employer or laboratory supervisor) to:
Dr. David J. Waxman
Boston University, Department of Biology
5 Cummington Street, Boston, MA 02215
Email: djw@bu.edu
http://people.bu.edu/djw/
http://www.bu.edu/biology/people/faculty/waxman/
