Dr. Gamze Gürsoy’s Lab at the New York Genome Center (NYGC) and Dr. Andrew Miranker’s Lab at Yale University are seeking a highly motivated and innovative biochemist with interests in genome privacy and forensics. This joint position between Columbia University, Yale University, and NYGC will primarily be based at NYGC, with opportunities to visit Dr. Miranker’s lab in the Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry department at Yale.

The successful candidate will design their own research projects and publications while also mentoring graduate and undergraduate students from Columbia and Yale Universities. Professor Miranker, currently on sabbatical at Dr. Gürsoy’s lab, visits NYGC monthly for a week. You will interact with both principal investigators on developing your research program, and fellowship and grant applications. The role involves regular interaction with collaborators both within and outside of NYGC, Yale University, and Columbia University.

Position Requirements

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Genetics, Biophysics, Chemistry, Molecular Biology or equivalent.

• Proficiency in the wetlab with basic biochemistry and molecular biology techniques;

• Background in forensics is preferred, although not required;

• Excellent organization and communication skills are essential, along with a high degree of independence and flexibility required; and,

• The ability and interest to interact with other members of the research group are required.

  Mentoring Plan

  The Postdoctoral Research Associate will meet with Drs. Gursoy and Miranker regularly and regularly interact with researchers at NYGC, Yale, and Columbia. They will participate in group meetings and attend national and international conferences. The postdoc can access resources for professional advancement and skill development at the NYGC and Columbia, which will help build toward an academic or industry career.

Salary & Benefits

The pay for this position is $88,000 per year; this includes a $70,000 base pay and a $1,500 per month taxable postdoctoral housing allowance ($18,000 per year), a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits, and generous time off.

Work Flexibility

The Gursoy lab operates on a 100% in person schedule with flexibility around personal circumstances.

About the Gürsoy Lab

Dr. Gamze Gürsoy’s research group develops computational and experimental tools to address many different questions in genomics such as 1) can biological systems be used to securely and efficiently store, maintain, and access the information? 2) can we store and disseminate biological systems in more secure and private ways?; 3) what are the forces and factors that determine the spatial organization of the genome and how does this organization of the genome influence phenotype?; and 4) can we develop multimodal inference tools to better investigate disease mechanism? The lab is physically located at the New York Genome Center, but the PI and trainees are also part of Department of Biomedical Informatics and Department of Computer Science as well as Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center at Columbia University.

About the Miranker Lab

Miranker lab historically focused on the energetic and structural limits of these basic assertions by studying their violations. In recent years, lab’s research has been focused on omics within the context of 1) genome privacy, 2) inferring historical context from artefacts, paintings, and historical objects, and 3) Alzheimer’s disease and aging. The lab develops biochemical techniques to extract information from small and noisy samples. The lab is physically located at Yale University Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry department but PI is currently on a sabbatical at the New York Genome Center, regularly visiting Dr. Gursoy’s lab.

About the New York Genome Center

The New York Genome Center (NYGC) is an independent, nonprofit, academic research organization dedicated to advancing genomic research. NYGC scientists and staff are furthering new approaches to diagnosing and treating neurological diseases and cancer through their unique capabilities in whole genome sequencing, RNA sequencing, state-of-the art analytics, and the development of genomic tools. NYGC concentrates specifically on disease-based research in the following areas: neuropsychiatric disease (autism, schizophrenia, bipolar); neurodegenerative disease (ALS, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s), and cancer.

Located in Lower Manhattan, the New York Genome Center was founded by and remains closely affiliated with the leading academic medical centers and research universities in the New York region, engaging in research projects with and for these institutions. Essential to our collaborative work is an outstanding faculty, whose members typically hold a joint appointment at NYGC and a partner university. They support our scientific mission by conducting independent research in areas of mutual interest to us and the wider scientific community.

Equal Opportunity

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to NYGC’s core mission. We strive to create a workplace environment that is welcoming and fair to all regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability, or religion. We believe that when people of various backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives work together in an inclusive and equitable environment we gain new and valuable perspectives that otherwise would have been missed. Valuing and supporting all NYGC employees as individuals while helping them realize their full potential is critical to promoting greater collaboration, innovation, and discovery – fostering a sense of belonging for our greatest strength, our people. We recognize that there is still work to be done that will require sustained commitment from the entire organization.

The New York Genome Center is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, creed, color, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic predisposition or carrier status, protected veteran or military status, domestic violence victim status, partnership status, caregiver status, alienage or citizenship status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. NYGC takes affirmative action in support of its policy to hire and advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

FLSA Status – Exempt

This position is eligible for visa sponsorship and relocation assistance.

Required SkillsRequired Experience