Postdoctoral Fellow in Blood Cancer Genetics and Genomics

NIH R01-funded research in clonal hematopoiesis and myeloproliferative neoplasms

A postdoctoral fellow position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Satish Nandakumar at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and the Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center. The laboratory studies how inherited genetic variation shapes hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) function, clonal hematopoiesis and leukemia risk. Our work integrates human genetics with functional genomics, genome editing, primary human hematopoietic cells, and genetically engineered mouse models.

Projects move from genetic association to mechanism and provide opportunities for both biological discovery and technology development.

1) Germline genetic variants influencing clonal blood disorders.

An NCI–supported project will examine how inherited variants promote the expansion of HSCs carrying the JAK2V617F mutation, a major driver of myeloproliferative neoplasms. Another NHLBI–supported project will investigate inherited predisposition to clonal hematopoiesis, a premalignant condition associated with blood cancer. Using variant-to-function approaches, Dr. Nandakumar and his team will determine how noncoding variants regulate target genes and alter the growth of mutant stem cells.

2) Functional genomics of noncoding regulatory variation

Projects will use massively parallel reporter assays, CRISPR-based screens, and genome editing to test noncoding variants, map regulatory elements, connect variants to target genes, and model cis-regulatory activity across hematopoietic cell states and disease contexts.

3) Statistical genetics and computational biology

Computational opportunities include GWAS analysis and its integration with epigenomic and transcriptomic datasets and analysis of high-throughput functional genomics data from CRISPR screens and MPRA. Candidates may analyze BeatAML and similar cohorts to identify inherited modifiers of clonal hematopoiesis and myeloid malignancies.

Our recent study in Blood Cancer Discovery used a massively parallel reporter assay to screen 1,374 noncoding variants across 51 CHIP-associated loci, identifying 87 regulatory variants and connecting prioritized enhancers to hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell function. This variant-to-function framework provides a foundation for the newly funded research.

Nguyen T, et al. Germline noncoding risk variants influence clonal hematopoiesis through altered hematopoietic enhancer activity. Blood Cancer Discovery. 2026.
doi:
10.1158/.BCD-26-0046

More information about our research program is available on our website:

• Lead an independent research project within one of the two R01-funded areas

• Design and conduct rigorous studies using experimental and/or computational approaches appropriate to the project

• Analyze and interpret data, maintain clear research records, and work collaboratively with laboratory members and collaborators

• Prepare manuscripts and present findings at laboratory meetings and internal and external scientific conferences

• Contribute to the development of new research questions and, with mentorship, pursue fellowship and career-development opportunities

• PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in a relevant field

• Training in hematopoiesis, stem cell biology, cancer biology, molecular biology, functional genomics, statistical genetics, genetic epidemiology, bioinformatics, or a related area

• A strong publication record and the ability to plan, execute, analyze, and communicate rigorous experiments

• Experimental candidates may have experience with primary human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, genetic mouse models, CRISPR/Cas9 editing, multicolor flow cytometry, tissue culture, molecular biology, genomics, or transcriptomics

• Computational candidates may have experience with GWAS, genetic epidemiology, large-scale genomic or clinical datasets, statistical modeling, and programming in R, Python, or related tools

• A self-motivated, thoughtful, and collaborative approach to research

The fellow will receive dedicated individual mentorship through regular one-on-one meetings focused on scientific progress and career development. Support and intellectual freedom will be provided to ask important questions, develop innovative projects, publish rigorous work, and prepare for an independent scientific career. The Nandakumar Lab is part of the Department of Cell Biology and the Montefiore Einstein…