POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOW- Hematology and Bioinformatics

The Cheng Laboratory at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate with expertise in bioinformatics, computational genomics, and machine learning to develop computational approaches at the intersection of functional genomics, genome engineering, and therapeutic development.

Our laboratory integrates computational and functional genomic approaches to understand genetic variation and develop new strategies for precision medicine. The successful candidate will work in a highly collaborative environment combining large-scale genomic data, functional genomic screening, genome editing, machine learning, and experimental validation.

A major component of this position will contribute to an ARPA-H-supported program focused on developing personalized genome-editing therapies for rare diseases. The program includes development of AI models for predicting biochemical and cellular genome-editing activity and off-target effects, with experimental data used for model training and prospective validation.

Research Focus

The postdoctoral fellow will develop and apply computational and machine-learning approaches to problems in functional genomics and genome engineering. Research areas may include:

Developing machine-learning and deep-learning models to predict genome-editing activity, specificity, and off-target effects.

Integrating genomic sequence with high-throughput biochemical, cellular, and functional genomic data.

Developing computational methods for analysis and interpretation of genome-editing and functional genomic datasets.

Applying modern ML approaches to understand the effects of genetic variation and improve genome-engineering strategies.

D. or equivalent degree in bioinformatics, computational biology, genomics, computer science, statistics, biomedical engineering, data science, or a related quantitative field.

Strong experience in bioinformatics, computational genomics, or related areas.

Strong programming skills in Python and/or R.

Ability and enthusiasm to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment.

Strong scientific communication skills.

Experience with genome editing, functional genomic screening, sequence-based deep learning, or related technologies is a plus but not required. Jude Children's Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities.