Postdoctoral Associate, Molecular Biology

The George Washington University; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 63,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Job summary

The George Washington University’s Forensic Molecular Biology program seeks a Postdoctoral Associate to advance computational genomic analyses and lab-based work at GWU. The role blends development of bioinformatic workflows with hands-on molecular biology in a collaborative academic setting.

Ideal candidates will have a PhD in a relevant field and strong experience in sequencing data analysis, scripting, and scientific communication.

Qualifications

• PhD by date of employment.
• Experience with bioinformatics analysis of sequencing data.
• Proficiency in Python/R and Linux/Unix scripting.
• Familiarity with FASTQ, BAM/SAM, and VCF data formats.
• 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/genomic datasets from MPS and other technologies.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate bioinformatic pipelines for sequence processing and interpretation.
• Design, implement, and validate molecular biology/genomic assays.
• Mentor master’s students conducting independent research and guide genomic data analysis.

Skills

Bioinformatics

NGS analysis

Programming

Genomics

Communication skills

Mentoring

Independent design

Education

PhD in relevant field

Tools

Python

R

Linux/Unix shell

Job description

Posting Details

Please see Special Instructions for more details on GW jobs website. 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
• DNA repair
• 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

$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

P010176

Job Open Date

03/01/2027

Job Close Date

02/28/2029

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

Mount Vernon, DC

College/School/Department:

Columbian College of Arts & Sciences (CCAS)

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.