Postdoctoral Fellow
Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Computational Biology and Genomics Full-time
The lab of Dr. Jian Zhou at UT Southwestern Medical Center is looking for postdoctoral scientists with interest in genomics and machine learning to join our team. Our lab studies computational genomics by developing and applying cutting-edge machine learning and statistical methods for integrative analysis of genomic data. A central question that the lab focuses on is how the genome operates at the sequence-level, especially how the genomic sequence controls multiple levels of gene expression regulation. We develop computational methods for extracting regulatory programs encoded in the genomic sequence and apply them to study genetic dysregulation in diseases and the evolution of regulatory genome. We strive to gain an increasingly complete understanding of genomic sequence and build a realistic “in silico” model of the genome. Machine learning, especially deep learning, and statistical methods are critical tools we extensively use and develop. Dr. Zhou has published many papers that contribute to the conception of deep learning in genomics, which include:
• Predicting effects of noncoding variants with deep learning-based sequence model (Nature Methods, 2015)
• Deep learning sequence-based ab initio prediction of variant effects on expression and disease risk (Nature Genetics, 2018)
• Whole-genome deep learning analysis identifies contribution of noncoding mutations in autism (Nature Genetics, 2019)
Ideal candidates should have Ph.D. or equivalent degrees in Computational Biology, Computer Science, Statistics, Engineering or a related field at the expected start time and have a strong computational background. Previous research experience in genomics or machine learning is preferred. For strong candidates with either computational or biology background, extensive knowledge of the other field is not required. Interested applicants should submit your CV, a brief description of your previous work, and your future research interests and arrange for a list of two or three references to be sent to jian.zhou@utsouthwestern.edu.
We aim to create an environment that is fun and encourages creativity. Research should be fun. Our vision is that computational algorithms, especially machine learning, is becoming a critical driving force of biological discovery in the next decade, and we invite you to be a part of our endeavor toward that goal.
Jian Zhou, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor in Bioinformatics
Lupe Murchison Foundation Scholar in Medical Research
CPRIT Scholar in Cancer Research
UT Southwestern Medical Center
Please contact me at jian.zhou@utsouthwestern.edu if you are interested.