Broad Institute Postdoctoral Associate Job for PhD CandidatesÂ
Applications Invited at Broad Institute for Postdoctoral Associate Position . Interested candidates can check out the details below and Apply Online
Job title: Postdoctoral Associate
Job Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Job id: 36403
Job Type: Full Time
Job Description
The Flannick and Udler Labs at the Broad Institute are seeking exceptional candidates for postdoctoral fellowships focused on computational and statistical analysis of high-throughput genomic data in the context of precision medicine for diabetes. The fellow will be co-mentored by Drs. Jason Flannick and Miriam Udler and will gain expertise in statistical genetics, computational biology, clinical genetics, and diabetes physiology.
Within the Broad Institute, the Flannick and Udler Labs form part of the Diabetes Research Group, which develops and employs computational approaches to use human genomic and clinical data to understand and better treat diabetes. Our research has a strong translational focus, given our co-affiliations with Massachusetts General Hospital and Boston Children’s Hospital, and our diverse and collaborative team includes people from multiple scientific and clinical backgrounds. We play leadership roles in high-profile international consortia focused on aggregating and analyzing large-scale genomic data for metabolic diseases (AMP-CMD) and improving our understanding of atypical diabetes (RADIANT). Projects meeting any level of ambition are available to motivated postdocs.
The ideal candidate will be passionate about learning and applying cutting-edge techniques in the burgeoning fields of precision medicine and genomic data science and be motivated to publish research that significantly impacts how genetics is used to understand and treat diabetes. Projects may involve employing polygenic scores for diabetes, analyzing exome data to identify pathogenic variants, or developing novel statistical methods to combine multiple data modalities to dissect disease heterogeneity. Applicants must have a PhD in a quantitative field and experience with data analysis and programming/scripting; prior knowledge of computational biology or genetics is also required.
The Broad Institute is located in the Kendall Square area of Cambridge, perhaps the most exciting biomedical research environment in the world, and serves as a hub for the Harvard and MIT biomedical communities. Additionally, the Flannick and Udler Labs are affiliated with and have office space at two of the preeminent hospitals in the country, Boston Children’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital. These resources provide an unparalleled opportunity for a motivated postdoc to scientifically grow and achieve high impact science, set alongside the cultural and natural benefits of the broader Boston metropolitan area. Remote working options are also available.
Interested individuals are encouraged to submit a cover letter, CV, list of publications, and brief statement of research interests to Dr. Jason Flannick([email protected]). For more information, see http://flannicklab.org and www.udlerlab.org.
Broad Institute Postdoctoral Associate Job for PhD Candidates. Here are Possible interview questions and sample answers for the Postdoctoral Associate position at the Flannick and Udler Labs at the Broad Institute:
1. Question: Can you describe your experience with statistical genetics and computational biology, and how it has prepared you for contributing to precision medicine research in diabetes?
Answer: During my Ph.D. and subsequent research, I have gained extensive experience in statistical genetics and computational biology. I have worked on projects involving the analysis of high-throughput genomic data, such as genome-wide association studies and the development of polygenic scores. These experiences have equipped me with the necessary skills to effectively analyze and interpret complex genomic datasets. I am eager to apply this expertise to the precision medicine research in diabetes at the Flannick and Udler Labs, where the focus on translational impact aligns well with my background.
2. Question: The job description mentions a strong translational focus and collaborations with clinical institutions. Can you provide an example of a project where you collaborated with clinicians and how your work contributed to a better understanding or treatment of a medical condition?
Answer: In a previous project, I collaborated with clinicians to analyze genomic data from patients with a rare metabolic disorder. By integrating genomic information with clinical data, we identified a novel pathogenic variant that was responsible for the condition in several patients. This discovery not only provided important insights into the genetic basis of the disease but also opened up new avenues for potential treatments. This experience reinforced my belief in the power of interdisciplinary collaborations in advancing medical research.
3. Question: Precision medicine often involves the development of novel analytical methods. Can you discuss your experience in developing or adapting statistical methods for analyzing complex genomic data, and how this skill set can contribute to your role at the Broad Institute?
Answer: I have experience in developing and adapting statistical methods for the analysis of complex genomic data. For example, during my Ph.D., I worked on a project where we developed a novel algorithm for identifying rare disease-causing variants in exome data. This required a deep understanding of both the statistical principles and the biological context. I believe my ability to innovate in statistical methodology will be valuable in addressing the complex challenges associated with precision medicine research in diabetes, such as dissecting disease heterogeneity and improving variant prioritization.
4. Question: How do you plan to balance your individual research interests and goals with the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of the Flannick and Udler Labs’ research environment?
Answer: I believe that collaboration and interdisciplinary work are essential for addressing complex questions in genomics and precision medicine. While I have specific research interests and goals, I am also enthusiastic about contributing to the collective goals of the lab. I plan to actively engage in collaborative projects and discussions, leveraging my expertise in statistical genetics and computational biology to support the lab’s research objectives. I see this as an opportunity to not only pursue my individual research interests but also to learn from and contribute to the diverse talents within the lab.
5. Question: The job posting mentions the opportunity for remote working. How do you envision managing and staying productive in a remote work setting while maintaining effective communication and collaboration with the research team?
Answer: Remote work offers flexibility, but I recognize the importance of effective communication and collaboration in a research setting. To ensure productivity, I would establish a structured work routine, set clear goals, and maintain open and regular communication with the research team through virtual meetings, email, and collaborative tools. I have experience working remotely on collaborative projects and have found that clear communication and shared project management tools help maintain teamwork and productivity. I am committed to adapting to the remote work environment while ensuring that research progress is not compromised.
