Post Doctoral Fellow

Job Summary:

The Dashnow Lab in the Department of Biomedical Informatics at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is seeking a computational Postdoctoral Fellow with a background in human genomics, bioinformatics, computational biology, or related fields. Individuals from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Dashnow Lab develops computational genomics methods to understand the genetic underpinnings of rare diseases and increase diagnoses. We have particular expertise in difficult-to-genotype repetitive regions. We develop and apply these methods at scale to current and emerging DNA sequencing technologies. Our research directly impacts individuals with rare diseases and their families, giving them answers and hope for treatment after a long diagnostic odyssey. The lab has strong national and international collaborations, including with large rare disease and population consortiums and with industry.

Current project funding supports new approaches for diagnosis and gene discovery for short tandem repeat diseases, computational methods development for both short and long-read sequencing technologies, and population genetics.

The postdoc and PI will jointly envision projects tailored to the fellow’s skillset and long-term career goals. Postdocs will be expected to carry out computational research, analyze data, and disseminate their findings, software, and data to the biomedical community.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop innovative computational approaches to analyzing genomics data and apply these methods to advance our understanding of the molecular basis of human diseases.
• Design and lead genomics research projects, analyze data and interpret results.
• Prepare and publish manuscripts in scientific journals and present at conferences.
• Mentor and train other group members, such as graduate and undergraduate students.
• Pursue computational, experimental, and clinical collaborations.
• Develop and progress the candidate’s career goals. 

Work Location:

Hybrid – this role is eligible for a hybrid schedule of 4 days per week on campus and as needed for in-person meetings.  

Why Join Us:

The Department of Biomedical Informatics (DBMI), located in the magnificent new Health Science building with a fabulous view of the Rocky Mountains, provides a fantastic environment for trainees to thrive and pursue their career goals. DBMI has a dedicated team for Grants Development and Scientific Writing, and a Software Engineering Team that can provide invaluable feedback to improve the quality of your code and your programming skills.

The Dashnow Lab welcomes diverse backgrounds. While this position requires biomedical computational skills, applicants are highly encouraged to apply even if they don’t have all the preferred qualifications, since it is understood that many skills will be learned on the job, including software development, computing environments, genetics, and data analysis.

The PI is committed to supporting the candidate’s research progress and career development, including exploring new project areas and collaborations. With her experience in grant-writing to transition to an independent position in academia (NIH K99/R00), the PI will provide guidance and feedback into this direction if aligned with the candidate’s goals.

The University of Colorado offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, tuition benefits, ECO pass, paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays and more. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits-wellness .

Diversity and Equity:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty and administrative staff. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. We encourage applications from women, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons within the LGBTQ+ community and all veterans. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.  

• PhD in genetics, bioinformatics, computational sciences, data science, machine learning, statistics, mathematics, computer science, or related fields. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in at least one programming language such as Python or R.
• Experience performing large-scale data analysis, such as data-wrangling, statistics, or machine learning.
• Demonstrated experience analyzing genomics data.
• Contributions to open-source software development.
• Experience with high-performance computing environments or cloud computing. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated commitment to promoting inclusion in the workplace.
• Proficiency in scientific communication as evidenced by peer-reviewed journal manuscripts and presentations at national or international conferences. 

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers .

Questions should be directed to: Harriet Dashnow, [email protected]  

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by April 1, 2025.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range ) for this position has been established as HIRING RANGE:

$70,000, which is above the current NIH salary range. Higher salaries for finalist(s) selected for this role may be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training.

The above hiring range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at [email protected] ​.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases . If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program .