Postdoctoral Research Associate in Statistical Genetics; Singh Lab

Overview

The Singh lab () is looking for a motivated and creative postdoctoral research associate to lead method development and analysis in statistical human genetics, with a focus on brain disorders. The candidate will develop and apply methods to analyze genetic and phenotypic data from clinical collections and population biobanks that include tens to hundreds of thousands of individuals. Using the depth and diversity of these multimodal datasets, the candidate will characterize the effects of genetic risk factors for psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Specifically, the role involves co‑analyzing common, rare, and structural variants from whole‑genome sequence data and detailed phenotypic (questionnaire, clinical, and imaging) data using novel and scalable methods in statistical genetics and machine learning to understand the pathogenesis of brain disorders. The goal is to identify genes associated with increased risk of particular symptom clusters and pinpoint pathways and processes associated with disease biology.

• Develop and apply new statistical, computational, and machine learning methods for analyzing large‑scale genetic and phenotypic data using scalable technologies.
• Implement, document, and scale these methods using robust programming tools and practices for internal use and for sharing with the community.
• Lead planned research projects from start to finish.
• Work closely with computational and clinical colleagues at NYGC and Columbia to interpret and contextualize results from analysis.
• Lead the preparation of manuscripts and subsequent submission to academic journals.
• Present regularly at internal meetings at NYGC and Columbia and at domestic and international scientific conferences.
• Actively participate in lab activities and assist in the mentoring and coordination of junior members of the team.
• Share expertise and provide training and guidance to group members as needed.

• Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, Genetics, Statistics, Biostatistics, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Epidemiology, or equivalent.
• Proficiency in at least one modern programming language, including Python, Java, C/C++, or equivalent.
• Proficiency in R/RStudio and relevant statistical packages for data visualization and analysis.
• Proficiency in Unix/Linux platforms, such as basic shell scripting in an on‑premises or Cloud computing setting (e.g., Google Cloud).
• Familiarity with analyzing high‑throughput genetic data is preferred (e.g., processing FASTA, BAM/CRAM, VCF, BED/BIM/FAM files using PLINK, bcftools, Hail).
• Proficiency in building robust pipelines for the analysis of genomics or other
  -omics data (including WGS, RNA‑seq, ATAC‑seq, etc.).
• Proficiency in applying software engineering best practices (e.g., Git Hub for version control, Docker for reproducible environments, etc.).
• Ability to work closely with other scientists to product ionize and scale new data analysis methods and workflows.
• Interest and experience in supervising and mentoring junior team members.
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively, with strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Technical and Professional
  
  Skills:
  
  Consistently demonstrates skills and knowledge relevant to the current role; strives to expand depth and breadth of technical and professional skills; works with a high level of integrity; exhibits focus and discipline; appropriately prioritizes, manages expectations, and delivers on commitments.
• Collaborative & Communicative:
  Models collaboration and teamwork; brings out the best in others; effectively works with all levels, internally and externally; respects and embraces diversity of perspective; communicates clearly and listens carefully; uses good judgment as to what to communicate and when.
• Adaptable & Innovative:
  Adaptable and embraces change; develops new insights and pursues improvements and efficiency; fosters the exchange of new ideas and willing to challenge the status quo; takes the initiative and is solution‑oriented; engages with passion and curiosity.

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will meet with Dr. Singh and…