Postdoctoral Fellow in Medical and Molecular Genetics

Postdoctoral Fellow in Medical and Molecular Genetics

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Title
- Postdoctoral Fellow in Medical and Molecular Genetics

Appointment Type
- Postdoctoral Fellow

Department - IUSM
- Medical & Molecular Genetics

Campus - IU School of Medicine Indianapolis

Position Summary
- Postdoctoral Fellow in Neuropsychiatric Genetics

The Lai Laboratory in the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics at the Indiana University School of Medicine is seeking highly motivated postdoctoral fellows to join our growing research team. Our mission is to uncover the genetic and molecular basis of complex diseases and translate these discoveries into precision medicine. We develop computational and statistical methods while integrating human genetics, single-cell and multi-omics, large-scale biobank resources, and experimental disease models to identify disease mechanisms, discover therapeutic targets, and improve disease prediction, prevention, and treatment.

Our research focuses primarily on substance use disorders and neurodegenerative diseases, where we combine genomic discovery with functional validation and clinical investigation to develop clinically actionable polygenic scores, identify biomarkers and therapeutic targets, and advance genetically informed drug repurposing. Our laboratory is supported by multiple NIH grants and internal funding and offers an outstanding collaborative environment with investigators across Indiana University and leading national and international research institutions.

We are committed to helping postdoctoral fellows establish independent research programs through strong mentorship, high-impact publications, grant writing, and career development.

We especially welcome applicants with backgrounds in psychiatry, neuroscience, or neurobiology who are eager to develop expertise in statistical genetics and computational genomics. Our lab provides a collaborative environment with strong mentorship in quantitative methods, enabling fellows to integrate experimental and computational approaches to study complex brain disorders.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to:

• Conduct innovative genetic and translational research in substance use disorders or neurodegenerative diseases.
• Analyze large-scale genomic, single-cell, multi-omics, and biobank datasets.
• Design research studies, analyze and interpret data, and prepare manuscripts for publication.
• Present research at national and international conferences and organize scientific symposia.
• Contribute to fellowship and NIH grant applications.
• Lead independent research projects while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
• Establish new scientific collaborations within and outside Indiana University.

Training and Career Development

Our goal is to prepare postdoctoral fellows for successful independent research careers. Fellows receive close mentorship and support from the PI, lab mates, and an interdisciplinary network of collaborators in genetics, neuroscience, psychiatry, computational biology and bioinformatics, statistics, and clinical research. Training emphasizes:

• Developing an independent research program
• Publishing high-impact manuscripts
• Scientific communication and leadership
• Fellowship and NIH grant writing
• Building a long-term academic career

This position is particularly well suited for candidates pursuing independent academic careers in psychiatric genetics, neurogenetics, or precision medicine.

IU School of Medicine is committed to being a welcoming campus community and we seek candidates whose research, teaching, and community engagement efforts contribute to robust learning and working environments for all students, staff, and faculty. We invite individuals who will join us in our mission to improve health equity and well-being for all throughout the state of Indiana.

Basic Qualifications
- Required

PH.D. (or equivalent) in Psychiatry, Neuroscience, Neurobiology, Genetics, or related fields.

Strong interests in manuscript preparation and grant development.

Experience with statistical genetics, bioinformatics, genomics, or computational biology.

Experience using high-performance computing and/or cloud computing.

Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment.

Strong written and oral communication skills.

Preferred

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS)

Statistical genetics and polygenic scores

Single-cell RNA-seq, proteomics, or other multi-omics analyses

Artificial intelligence and machine learning

Biobank and electronic health record (EHR)…