Post-Graduate Associate (Reilly Lab)

The Reilly Lab in the Genetics Department at Yale School of Medicine (www.reilly-lab.com) is seeking postgraduate researchers with either a wet lab or computational focus. We are a collaborative, hard-working, and supportive team that develops and uses cutting-edge genomic tools to study human disease and evolution. 

The promise of unlocking the human genome’s full potential to cure disease or understand our evolutionary history hinges on our ability to build new tools for interpreting uncharacterized genomic regions. To that end we’ve developed cutting-edge methods for CRISPR editing, high-throughput reporter assays, and machine learning. Our lab applies these tools to understand evolutionarily significant genomic loci, the precise genetic mechanisms underlying complex traits, and disease risk for neurological, autoimmune, and metabolic disorders. We are looking for strong candidates with either a human and cross-species evolutionary genomics focus, or an interest in technology development in the human genetics space.

TRAINING

There is some flexibility to match the trainee’s interests and aptitude to specific projects of interest. If primarily interested in wet lab, the Postgraduate Associate will train in developing and deploying genomic techniques such as MPRA and CRISPR screens. They will be expected to learn advanced cell culture, cloning, and next-generation sequencing techniques. Potential projects include investigating the gene targets of disease-related variation and exploring gene regulation across different cell types. If primarily interested in computational work, the Postgraduate Associate will train in developing new computational tools and techniques to advance our understanding of the human genome and its role in disease and evolution. Potential projects include applying machine learning models and population genetic methods to predict and understand regulatory variants, collaborating with experimental biologists on developing novel uses of high-throughput reporter assays, and analyzing CRISPR editing and high-throughput reporter assay data to uncover new insights into the genetics of human disease and evolution. The Postgraduate Associate is expected to develop into an integral, valued member of the lab, to participate in weekly lab meetings/journal clubs, to present their research findings, and to attend research seminars.

MENTORING

The Reilly lab takes seriously its role in training future scientists and sees the postgraduate’s future success as the lab’s success. The Postgraduate Associate will meet regularly with the PI to discuss scientific progress and career development. Previous trainees have gone onto top-tier graduate programs, medical schools, and industry positions. Each has graduated from the lab with authorship on at least one manuscript. As a part of the Department of Genetics at the Yale School of Medicine, the lab offers an outstanding and fully resourced training environment which provides the flexibility to meet the trainee’s professional goals.

EDUCATION

A successful candidate must complete a bachelor’s degree before starting the position.

For wet-lab candidates, 1 years of prior molecular biology research experience is required. Strong coursework in molecular biology/genetics is beneficial.

For computational candidates, excellent coding skills and coursework in molecular biology/genetics are required.

The candidate should display a high level of initiative, logic, and creative problem-solving skills, as well as a bachelor’s degree with a solid foundation in science. The candidate is also required to have excellent personal initiative and should be excited by the prospect of working in a dynamic team. They should demonstrate aptitude for time management skills in coordinating concurrent assignments in a multi-faceted project. Candidates should possess strong communication and computer skills, with the ability to develop technical documents and presentations.

Candidates with any experience in bioinformatics, evolutionary biology, genetics, machine learning, mammalian cell culture, molecular biology, or sequencing are especially encouraged to apply. The appointment will be for one year with the possibility of a second-year extension.

Qualifications

A successful candidate must complete a bachelor’s degree before starting the position.

For wet-lab candidates, 1 years of prior molecular biology research experience is required. Strong coursework in molecular biology/genetics is beneficial.

For computational candidates, excellent coding skills and coursework in molecular biology/genetics are required.

The candidate should display a high level of initiative, logic, and creative problem-solving skills, as well as a bachelor’s degree with a solid foundation in science.

Application Instructions

Interested candidates should apply via Interfolio (https://apply.interfolio.com/143275). The application should include: (1) CV; (2) a cover letter including a brief description of research interests and how they align with the lab; and (3) either (a) letters from or (b) contact information for 2-3 references.