Postdoctoral Researcher - Pediatric Genomics, Bioinformatics and Data Science

Position Description:

Every day, in ways both big and small, the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is impacting lives for the better. MCW ... changemaking for a healthier Wisconsin. In the role of a Postdoctoral Researcher you will be working in Pediatrics.

The Division of Bioinformatics and Quantitative Child Health (BQCH) at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to lead one of multiple innovative genomics and bioinformatics initiatives. Under the direction of Dr. Xiaowu Gai, the newly appointed Division Chief, the BQCH Division focuses on advancing the understanding and treatment of pediatric diseases through innovations in genomics, informatics, and data science.

Key Initiatives:

1. Genomic Diagnosis and Research: The fellow will explore the application of Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) to enhance the diagnosis of Mendelian disorders and pediatric cancers. Projects may include:
   • Developing custom ONT assays, including liquid biopsy techniques.
   • Implementing bioinformatics methodologies and pipelines.
   • Addressing unresolved cases of genetic disorders.
   • Discovering novel disease genes and improving diagnostic effectiveness for both germline and somatic pediatric conditions.
2. Genetic Data Reanalysis and Integration: Another key initiative involves optimizing the analysis of previously collected clinical and research genetic data. This will leverage advanced analytical methods, including Large Language Models and AI technologies, to identify novel genetic causes but also other genetic risk factors, including pharmacogenomic alleles, for improved patient care. The fellow will also pioneer the integration of genetic findings with the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
3. Mitochondrial Genomics: Dr. Gai, an internationally recognized expert in mitochondrial genomics, investigates the role of mitochondrial genomics in various pediatric diseases, including primary mitochondrial disorders and pediatric cancers like chordoma, as well as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress.

The ideal candidate for the Postdoctoral Fellow position should hold a PhD in either a computational discipline (e.g., computer science, informatics, or statistics) or a biological discipline (e.g., genetics, genomics, or molecular biology), with significant experience or cross-training in the other area. The fellow will be responsible for optimizing and applying molecular and genomic assays developed through our initiatives or for creating and implementing analytical solutions for the resulting genomic data. A strong foundation in human genetics, statistical genetics, and molecular biology is essential, along with proficiency in programming and analytical skills (e.g., Python, R, Linux, Bash, Perl), tailored to the specific focus of the role. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required. Ultimately, the goal is for the fellow to develop distinct expertise in genomics and bioinformatics that can be applied to various disease areas and clinical questions as they progress toward independence.

Dr. Gai serves as the Associate Director of the MCW Mellowes Center for Genomic Science and Precision Medicine, providing access to cutting-edge genomic technologies, including the Illumina NovaSeq 6000, Oxford Nanopore Technologies, and 10X Genomics single-cell and spatial genomics instruments. The postdoctoral fellow will collaborate within both the BQCH division and the Mellowes Center under Dr. Gai's direct guidance. The Mellowes Center fosters multidisciplinary partnerships among researchers, clinicians, and students across MCW, promoting team-science initiatives. The BQCH division features a skilled team of biostatisticians and is actively expanding its capabilities in bioinformatics and related fields, ensuring that the postdoctoral fellow has comprehensive access to essential expertise and technologies during their training.

Knowledge - Skills - Abilities

Required knowledge: biology, computer science, statistics, data management, complex problem solving, critical thinking, resource management, and writing skills

Skills and abilities: genomic technologies, UNIX/LINUX systems, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, bioinformatics resources, next-generation sequencing

Preferred Schedule:



Contract role with expectations for coverage during core business hours and flexibility required as necessary to accommodate business needs.

Position Requirements:

Specifications

Minimum Required Education: PhD in a scientific field or MD
Minimum Required Experience: None

Why MCW?

• Outstanding Healthcare Coverage, including but not limited to Health, Vision, and Dental. Along with Flexible Spending options
• 403B Retirement Package
• Competitive Vacation and Paid Holidays offered
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Parental Leave
• Pet Insurance
• On campus Fitness Facility, offering onsite classes.
• Additional discounted rates on items such as: Select cell phone plans, local fitness facilities, Milwaukee recreation and entertainment etc.

For a full list of positions see: www.mcw.edu/careers

For a brief overview of our benefits see: https://www.mcw.edu/departments/human-resources/benefits

Eastern Wisconsin is a vibrant, diverse metropolitan area. MCW is intent on attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse workforce and faculty body that reflects the community we serve. We value diversity of backgrounds, experience, thought, and perspectives to advance excellence in science and medicine. MCW is a welcoming campus community with a strong culture of collaboration, partnership, and engagement with our surrounding community. For more information, please visit our institutional website at https://www.mcw.edu/departments/office-of-diversity-and-inclusion.

MCW as an Equal Opportunity Employer and Commitment to Non-Discrimination


The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as ensuring equal educational opportunity, employment, and access to services, programs, and activities, without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristic, or military status. Employees, students, applicants or other members of the MCW community (including but not limited to vendors, visitors, and guests) may not be subjected to harassment that is prohibited by law or treated adversely or retaliated against based upon a protected characteristic.

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