Description: A postdoctoral researcher position on a NIH-funded project is immediately available in the laboratory of Dr. Damini Jawaheer at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology. The Jawaheer Lab focuses on multi-disciplinary translational research to determine how pregnancy induces a natural improvement of an incurable disease like rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We use patient samples and clinical data from a unique pregnancy cohort established by Dr Jawaheer (with multiple timepoints before and during pregnancy), and generate multi-omics data (bulk RNA-seq, single cell RNA-seq, DNA methylation) to examine transcriptional and epigenetic changes that occur over time during pregnancy and how those can influence autoimmune disease.

The successful candidate will perform original research in bioinformatics, assessing computational methods and applying those to our data to infer underlying molecular mechanisms. The candidate will take a lead in project management, data analysis and interpretation of results, under the supervision of Dr. Jawaheer. The candidate will be expected to report the scientific results by writing scientific papers and effectively communicate with peers.

Preferred qualifications:

• Ph.D. degree in bioinformatics, computational biology, human genomics, or a related field.
• First-author publication track-record.
• Strong problem-solving abilities.
• Proficient in statistical and programming languages such as R, Python and Bash.
• Familiar with Linux and High-Performance Computing (HPC) environments.
• Experience with standard bioinformatics tools (R, aligners, callers, single-cell genomics packages, etc.).
• Experience with analyses of bulk RNA-Seq, scRNA-Seq and other omics data, co-expression analysis and functional analysis.
• Ability to think creatively and apply new analytic approaches.
• Solid understanding of biological systems.
• Wet lab experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

To apply: Interested candidates should submit an application to Dr. Jawaheer (Damini.Jawaheer@northwestern.edu). The application should include: 1) a cover letter briefly describing their research interests, qualifications and long-term career goals, 2) a curriculum vitae, 3) the names and contact information for three references.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, underrepresented racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.