The Division of Genomic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics is seeking a highly motivated individual that will focus on Computational Genomics and Bioinformatics. The selected candidate will work closely with Suma Shankar MD, PhD to perform and conduct comprehensive analysis of genomic data, including whole-genome and exome sequencing, to identify genetic variations associated with Mendelian and Complex genetic disorders.

The vision of the Department of Pediatrics is the healthiest future for all children and families with a mission dedicated to creating a healthy future for all children through outstanding patient care, transformative research, innovative medical education, and community-based advocacy. The Precision Genomic Program within the Genomic Medicine division works on rare diseases in collaboration with the MIND Institute and other UC Davis researchers in advancing translational research towards gene identification and discovery to provide precision health care.

At UC Davis, a postdoctoral scholar is one who trains under the direction of a research mentor in a substantial full-time program of advanced research and training beyond the doctoral level, in preparation for an independent career. Postdoctoral scholars may expect the opportunity for collaborative and independent research and publication as determined by mutual agreement with their mentor.

Roles and responsibilities:

• Genomic Analysis: Plan and execute research studies in close collaboration with the Principal Investigator, which may include Genomic Data Analysis, Computational Modeling, Integration of Phenotypic Data and relevant statisitical analysis
• Collaborative Research: Collaborate with interdisciplinary team of researchers, including clinical and human geneticists, induced pluripotent stem cell researchers, small animal model researchers, neuroscientists, and other clinicians, to design and execute research projects aimed at advancing our understanding of neurodevelopmental, ocular or other genetic disorders. Contribute to project management efforts including scheduling and facilitating interdisciplinary meetings.
• Publication and Presentation: Prepare research findings for publication in peer-reviewed journals and present results at scientific conferences and meetings. Prepare high quality, professional graphics, animations, and tables of a wide range of modeling outputs.
• Grant Writing: Engage in the collaborative development of proposals to secure external funding for research. Assist in the preparation of grant applications to secure funding for ongoing and future research initiatives.

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

• Ph.D. in Genetics, Genomics, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, or a related field
• Knowledge and experience with but not limited to: Strong background in genomics and computational modeling, with a focus on human genetics, identification of novel genes/variants and polygenic risk score calculations
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, and/or MATLAB for data analysis and modeling.
• Experience with next-generation sequencing data analysis tools and software.
• Knowledge of statistical methods and machine learning techniques.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Track record of scientific publications in relevant fields.
• Organizational and time management skills to prioritize workload and meet deadlines, develop, and carry out project assignments in an efficient and timely manner, and to provide accurate and succinct documentation of activities.

Preferred qualifications

• Integration of Multi-Omics Data: Integrate genomic and transcriptomic data to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying genetic disorders such as autism and neurodevelopmental delays.
• Knowledge and experience with but not limited to functional genomics in vivo and in vitro models
• Demonstrated ability to develop, calibrate, apply, and document findings related to protein signaling pathways and present them in graphical format.

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae – your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter

Reference requirements

• 3 required (contact information only)

This position is supported by a one year contract with the opportunity to renew based on performance and availability of funding. 

About UC Davis Department of Pediatrics

The Department of Pediatrics at UC Davis is committed to outstanding patient care, groundbreaking research, innovative medical education, and community-based advocacy. Our department boasts more than 300 staff, students, residents, fellows and volunteer and full-time faculty in 16 pediatric subspecialties. Our pediatricians and subspecialists provide care to families at the region’s only comprehensive children’s hospital and are honored to offer personalized care and extraordinary medical expertise that helps improve the lives of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.

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