The Department of Ophthalmology is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate in the human molecular genetics/genomics field for the laboratory of Dr. Rinki Ratnapriya at Baylor College of Medicine. Dr. Ratnapriya's lab focuses on harnessing the power of genomic technologies to address translational and clinical bioinformatic challenges pertaining to retinal and macular degenerative diseases. The lab is working towards understanding the role of non-coding cis-regulatory sequence variation in context of retinal diseases. The lab generates multiple high-throughput functional genomics data sets on the genome, epigenome, and transcriptome in disease-relevant tissues/cells and use of computational approaches to integrate and analyze this data to identify the molecular components and the structure of the regulatory apparatus underlying gene expression variation.

To apply for the position, qualified candidates should submit a one-page cover letter stating reasons for their scientific interest in the lab, career goals, a curriculum vitae includes technical skills, and the names and contact information of three references.

Baylor College of Medicine typically follows similar to the NIH stipulated stipend guidelines for Postdoctoral Associates.

Job Duties

• Plans, designs, conducts, and analyzes independent and collaborative research projects focused on retinal biology, disease mechanisms.
• Performs experiments using human tissues, model organisms, and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cells, including cell culture, differentiation, characterization, and disease-relevant assays.
• Designs, implements, and operates bioinformatics pipelines using existing analytical tools for NGS applications that includes analysis of bulk and single cell genomic and transcriptomic datasets.
• Applies intellectual curiosity and a passion for data science to address biomedical research questions, particularly those related to retinal biology and disease.
• Prepares manuscripts, abstracts, presentations, and grant-related materials for dissemination of research findings through scientific journals and conferences.
• Maintains accurate and comprehensive laboratory records, analyze and organize research data, and ensures compliance with institutional and laboratory policies and procedures.
• Collaborates with investigators and research teams across disciplines and contributes to the development of new research directions and projects.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• MD or Ph.D. in Basic Science, Health Science, or a related field.
• No experience required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong programming skills in Python and R, with a solid background in molecular biology.
• Experience in ophthalmology or vision research is desired.
• Demonstrated scientific productivity, rigor, and creativity, with a strong record of publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals.