Postdoctoral Associate

umd; College Park (MD); On-site; USD 75,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Maryland, College Park is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to develop computational methods for single-cell RNA-seq and ATAC-seq data. You will lead your own project and collaborate with lab members in an open-science environment.

The role focuses on designing algorithms, implementing tools in Rust, C, C++, or Zig, and contributing to manuscripts, grant writing, and mentoring PhD students.

Qualifications

• PhD in Computer Science or closely-related field.
• Experience in independent research in algorithmic genomics and publishing results.
• Experience handling and analyzing large genomics datasets and developing software in compiled, statically-typed, garbage-collection-free languages (Rust, C, C++, Zig).
• Strong written and oral communication skills and interpersonal abilities.

Responsibilities

• Design novel computational methodologies for processing high-throughput sequencing data.
• Develop robust implementations in high-performance languages and integrate with lab software.
• Prepare, write, and edit scientific manuscripts.

Skills

Genomics data analysis

Independent research

Scientific communication

Rust programming

Collaboration

Education

PhD in Computer Science or closely-related field

Tools

Rust

C/C++

Zig

Job description

Job Description Summary

Organization's Summary Statement: The postdoctoral research associate is responsible for developing novel computational methodology for high-throughput sequence genomics tasks, as well as for building efficient and robust implementations of these methods. The primary focus is on the development of methods for single-cell transcriptomic (RNA-seq) and ATAC-seq data, specifically in the single-cell context, though projects related to long-read RNA-sequencing and to foundational algorithmic and data structural questions is also within scope. The postdoctoral research associate leads their own project, as well as to collaborating with other members of the lab. The Patro lab has a strong commitment to open science, and to developing efficient, robust, usable and free and open-source software.

Duties include:

• Designing and developing novel computational methodologies for the processing and analysis of high-throughput sequencing data
• Writing robust and efficient implementations of novel computational methods in a “high-performance” programming language (Rust, C, C++, Zig) and integrating these new tools with exisitng software developed by the lab
• Preparing, writing, and editing scientific manuscripts
• Collaborating with and co-mentoring PhD students
• Assisting in the writing and preparation of funding proposals (NSF, NIH, and other relevant foundations or opportunities)

Minimum qualifications:

Education: PhD in Computer Science or a closely-related field

Experience: Experience in performing independent research in algorithmic genomics, and communicating scientific results via scientific publications and presentations.

Experience with handling and analyzing large genomics datasets, as well as experience in developing software in compiled, statically-typed, garbage-collection-free languages (e.g. Rust, C, C++, Zig).

Other: Strong written and oral communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills.

Physical Demands:

Must be capable of maintaining a stationary position for extended periods. Job requires close-up vision for computer work.

Preferences:

• Experience developing advanced computational methodology for genomics data processing
• Experience with and knowledge of compact and succinct data structures
• Experience with and knowledge of methods for high-dimenstional statistical inference (e.g. generative graphical models, maximum likelihood inference, Bayesian inference, etc.)
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn the Rust programming language
• Experience with data analysis and visualization
• Familiarity with common genomics tools, formats and programs
• Experience with standard *-nix command-line tools and idioms
• Familiarity with reproducible scientific workflow systems, such as Nextflow or Snakemake

Department

CMNS-Institute for Advanced Computer Studies

Worker Sub-Type

Faculty Regular

Salary Range

$75,000 - $80,000

Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Employment Eligibility

The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.