Postdoctoral Associate, Molecular Biology

George Washington University

City of Mount Vernon (NY)

On-site

USD 63,000 - 65,000

Full time

33 hours ago

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Job summary

The George Washington University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate in Molecular Biology. The position focuses on forensic molecular biology, genomics, and bioinformatics, with a two-year appointment linked to independent and collaborative research under Dr.

Podini's laboratory. Responsibilities include developing computational workflows, mentoring graduate students, preparing manuscripts, and contributing to grant proposals while advancing orthogonal molecular biology and genomic

Qualifications

PhD in a relevant field by the date of employment.
Experience with Next-Generation or Massively Parallel Sequencing data analysis.
Proficiency in Python, R, or Linux shell scripting for data analysis.
Ability to independently design experiments and troubleshoot workflows.
Strong scientific communication and mentoring skills.

Responsibilities

Conduct independent and collaborative research in forensic molecular biology, genetics, and human genomics.
Analyze and interpret complex genetic datasets from Massively Parallel Sequencing and other technologies.
Develop, optimize, and evaluate bioinformatic pipelines for sequence processing and interpretation.
Design, implement, and validate molecular biology and genomic assays.
Mentor master’s students and contribute to publications and conference abstracts.
Assist with grant applications, research reports, and scientific documents.
Support laboratory operations, protocols, compliance, and quality practices.
Collaborate with academic, government, and forensic science partners.

Skills

PhD in Molecular Biology

Bioinformatics experience

NGS data analysis

Python

Genomics

Genomic data formats

DNA/Molecular biology

Independent experimental design

Education

PhD in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Genomics, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or closely related field

Tools

Linux/Unix shell scripting

MPS analysis tools

Job description

Postdoctoral Associate, Molecular Biology

Appointments are limited-term and are designed for those who have recently received a doctorate. Appointments are made to academic departments with the approval of the department head and may require senior officer approval. Appointments are usually for not less than one term and are normally not renewed beyond a total of five years. This appointment is not intended for long-term, indefinite, or career appointments.

I. POSITION INFORMATION

Job Description Summary:

The Forensic Molecular Biology ( FMB ) Research Program at The George Washington University focuses on the application of molecular biology, genetics, genomics, and bioinformatics to forensic science and human identification. The program’s research seeks to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and informativeness of modern forensic genetic analyses while developing and evaluating new approaches for challenging biological evidence.

Current research projects in Dr. Daniele Podini’s laboratory include:

Development and evaluation of single nucleotide polymorphism ( SNP ) and microhaplotype assays for human identification
Recovery and analysis of nuclear DNA from rootless hair shafts
Capture hybridization
Development and evaluation of forensic applications of Massively Parallel Sequencing ( MPS )
Development and application of bioinformatic workflows for the analysis, interpretation, and reporting of complex forensic genomic data

The Master of Science in Forensic Science program has experienced substantial enrollment growth over the past several years and provides a vibrant, research-driven academic environment. In accordance with the requirements of the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission ( FEPAC ), students complete an independent research project as part of their graduate training. The program therefore maintains a broad portfolio of active research projects and collaborations with academic, government, and forensic organizations, providing students with extensive opportunities to participate in applied forensic science research.

The Department of Forensic Sciences seeks to hire a Postdoctoral Associate to support and expand the Forensic Molecular Biology laboratory’s research activities. This is a two-year position that will provide the successful candidate with opportunities to conduct independent and collaborative research, develop new molecular and genomic methods, analyze complex sequencing datasets, mentor graduate students, contribute to peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations, and participate in the development of grant proposals.

A strong background in bioinformatics and genomic data analysis is an important component of this position. The successful candidate will contribute to the development, implementation, and evaluation of computational workflows for processing and interpreting MPS data and will work at the interface of laboratory-based molecular biology and computational genomic analysis.

The Postdoctoral Associate will work closely with Dr. Podini, graduate students, research collaborators, and other members of the Department of Forensic Sciences and will play an important role in advancing the laboratory’s ongoing and emerging research initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Conduct independent and collaborative research in forensic molecular biology, forensic genetics, and human genomics
Analyze and interpret complex genetic and genomic datasets generated through Massively Parallel Sequencing and other technologies
Develop, implement, optimize, and evaluate bioinformatic pipelines for sequence processing, variant identification, genotyping, quality assessment, and downstream interpretation
Design, implement, optimize, and validate molecular biology and genomic assays
Mentor and provide technical guidance to master’s students conducting independent research projects, including guidance in genomic data analysis and interpretation
Contribute to the preparation of manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication, scientific presentations, and conference abstracts
Participate in the preparation of grant applications, research reports, and other scientific documents
Assist with laboratory operations, including development and maintenance of protocols, research compliance, quality practices, and scientific instrumentation
Collaborate with academic, government, and forensic science partners on ongoing research projects

The position is particularly well suited for a candidate interested in working at the intersection of molecular biology, genomics, bioinformatics, and forensic science. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to combine experimental laboratory research with computational genomic analysis while gaining experience in graduate student mentorship, collaborative research, scientific publication, and externally funded research

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must have fulfilled all requirements for the award of a PhD or equivalent qualification in a relevant field by the date of employment.

Desired Qualifications:

PhD in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Genomics, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or a closely related field
Demonstrated experience in bioinformatics and the analysis of Next-Generation or Massively Parallel Sequencing data
Experience with commonly used bioinformatic approaches for sequence alignment, variant calling, genotyping, quality control, and analysis of genomic data
Experience with one or more programming or scripting environments commonly used in bioinformatics, such as Python, R, Linux/Unix shell scripting, or similar tools
Familiarity with genomic data formats and workflows, including FASTQ , BAM / SAM , and VCF files, is highly desirable
Demonstrated experience with DNA analysis, molecular biology, genetics, or genomics
Experience with statistical analysis and interpretation of genetic or genomic data
Ability to independently design experiments and computational analyses, troubleshoot laboratory and bioinformatic workflows, analyze data, and interpret research findings
Strong scientific communication skills, demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, or other scholarly work
Strong organizational, laboratory management, leadership, and mentoring skills
Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative research team
Experience in forensic genetics, human genetics, forensic genomics, or applied molecular biology is highly desirable

Hiring Range

Hiring Range $63,000 to $65,000

Healthcare Benefits

GW offers a comprehensive benefit package for Postdoc Associates and Scholars that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, well-being and various voluntary benefits. Postdoc Scholars may also be eligible for retirement savings and tuition programs. For program details and eligibility, please visit https://hr.gwu.edu/postdoc_benefits.

II. POSITION INFORMATION

Posting Number

Posting Number P010176

Job Open Date

Job Open Date 03/01/2027

Job Close Date

Job Close Date 02/28/2029

Part-time / Full-time

Part-time / Full-time PF Post Doc Full Time Exempt

Total Hours per Week

40 hours/week

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:30 - 5:00

Campus Location

College/School/Department: Columbian College of Arts & Sciences (CCAS)

Expected duration of appointment

Expected duration of appointment 2 Years

Position Designation

On-Campus/In-Person

Special Instructions to Applicants

Employees in this subfamily are responsible for designing and conducting experiments in a controlled laboratory setting. Duties may include performing experiments, collecting, analyzing and reporting data.

Required Background Check

Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search

EEO Statement

The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

* Do you have a PhD or Doctoral degree?
- Yes
- No
Yes
No
* For current GW employees, have you completed your Introductory Employment Period (IEP)? (As a reminder,employees in their IEP are not eligible to apply for other internal university staff and research positions until the IEP is complete.)
- Yes, IEP complete
- No, still in IEP
- N/a - not a current GW employee