Postdoctoral Researcher in Computational Genomics, Bioinformatics and Systems Biology

The George Washington University
Physics
United States DC Washington
blogs.gwu.edu/wpeng/

Description

Two post-doc positions in computational genomics, bioinformatics and systems biology are available in the lab of Dr. Weiqun Peng at the George Washington University, DC. One is immediately available, the other starting in the second half of 2023. The overarching theme of our research is gene regulation and epigenetics, aiming to both understand the gene regulatory networks’ fundamental design principles and identify specific mechanistic implementations in immune and cancer systems and developmental processes. The research in the lab includes close collaborations with experimental groups and the development of computational methods, with a focus on integrative analysis of multi-omics data (including those for transcriptome, epigenome, and 3D genome). Approaches include statistical modeling, advanced machine learning and biophysics-inspired principled methodologies. Recent representative work from the lab includes
• Tcf1–CTCF cooperativity shapes genomic architecture to promote CD8+ T cell homeostasis, Shan Q et al. Nature Immunology, 8, 1222, 2022
• Tcf1 and Lef1 provide constant supervision to mature CD8+ T cell identity and function by organizing genomic architecture, Shan Q et al. Nature Communications, 12, 1, 2021
• Transcriptome-wide stability analysis uncovers LARP4-mediated NFκB1 mRNA stabilization during T cell activation, Tian Y et al. Nucleic Acids Research, 15, 8724, 2020
• Predicting CTCF-mediated chromatin interactions by integrating genomic and epigenomic features, Kai Y et al. Nature Communications, 9 4221, 2018
• The transcription factor Runx3 guards cytotoxic CD8+ effector T cells against deviation towards follicular helper T cell lineage, Shan Q et al. Nature Immunology, 18 931, 2017
For additional information, please visit Dr. Peng’s website (blogs.gwu.edu/wpeng/).

GWU is located in the neighborhood of prominent scientific organizations (National Institutes of Health, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Janelia Farm, NIST, NASA, NSF, Children's National). The Greater Washington D.C. is endowed with a mild climate yet four distinct seasons and is home to numerous attractions. The area has an ethnically and culturally diverse population, including a large and vibrant Chinese community. It has grown into a technology and business hub with a strong job market.

Salary and fringe benefits will be commensurate with experience. Interested applicants please send a cover letter (with a brief description of research experience and interests), CV and the contact information of at least three references to Dr. Weiqun Peng (wpeng@gwu.edu). The University is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.


Qualifications

The ideal applicant should hold a doctoral degree or equivalent qualification in computational biology, bioinformatics, (bio)statistics, computer science, physical science or a similar field. Strong programming and quantitative background are required. Prior experience in computational genomics and/or machine-learning approaches is desirable. Candidates should have a genuine interest in solving biological problems using quantitative approaches. A successful candidate is expected to be highly motivated and a critical thinker. In addition, the candidate is expected to be able to communicate effectively and work well in a team.


Start date

As soon as possible

How to Apply

Interested applicants please send a cover letter (with a brief description of research experience and interests), CV and the contact information of at least three references to Dr. Weiqun Peng.


Contact

Weiqun Peng
wpeng@gwu.edu