Post-Doctoral Associate

We are looking for a motivated postdoc to study the population genetics of complex traits in South Asians in the lab of Arslan Zaidi in the Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development (GCD) and Institute of Health Informatics (IHI) at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, MN.

Description of the position:

Background: South Asia is culturally one of the most diverse regions of the world, with 1000s of ethno-linguistic groups. These cultural groups often coincide with genetic variation because of endogamy (preference to marry within the same group) due to cultural, geographic, religious, and social stratification. This creates founder events, which can lead to a rise in frequency of deleterious variants that are private to each group. Many ethnic groups are also consanguineous (prefer to marry close relatives). For example, in Pakistan, up to 60% of all unions take place between second cousins or closer. Both practices elevate homozygosity, increasing the burden of recessive diseases. As a result, South Asians present an underappreciated opportunity for discovering recessive variants. This potential is increasingly being realized particularly for diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease which are more prevalent among South Asians. However, the complex genetic structure of South Asians introduces challenges, both in terms of study design and methodology, that need to be understood and addressed to maximize discovery of genetic effects while minimizing false positive associations.

The project can be tailored to the specific interests of the candidate, but we are immediately interested in the following questions: (i) how does long-term endogamy and consanguinity shape the genetic architecture of rare and common diseases? (ii) how does the fine-scale structure of South Asians affect the accuracy of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and polygenic risk prediction, both within South Asians and globally? (iv) How do we adequately correct for population stratification in GWAS carried out in South Asians? We will combine analytical theory and realistic population genetic simulations to address these questions.

What we expect: A PhD is required preferably in genetics, bioinformatics, computational biology or a related field. Candidates must have an interest in population and quantitative genetics, proficiency in programming (e.g. R, Python), and strong writing and communication skills.

You can expect most (~75%) of your time conducting research (including reading and writing papers), and the remaining time (~25%) attending meetings and conferences.

What you can expect from us: We will provide rigorous training in a supportive environment and mentorship for diverse career interests. We prioritize work-life balance, and will make every effort to accommodate personal and professional needs.

About us: We are a nascent but actively growing research group with expertise in statistical genetics and an interest in combining theory and empirical data analysis to understand the genetic basis of complex traits in humans.

GCD is a vibrant, multi-disciplinary department, spanning the Medical School and College of Biological Sciences, with outstanding faculty. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to interact with many outstanding research groups across the Twin Cities Campus spanning GCD, Institute of Health Informatics, Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Anthropology. The beautiful Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul are a central hub for many biotech and bio-pharmaceutical companies and have close connections with the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.

For more information about the lab, please visit us at zaidilab.org and for additional questions regarding the position, please email aazaidi@umn.edu. All interested applicants must formally apply to this posting.

Required Qualifications:
- PhD
- Proficiency in programming (preferably in R or Python) and experience working in Unix
- Strong communication and writing skills

Preferred Qualifications:
- PhD in genetics, bioinformatics, computational biology or related field
- Familiarity with genome-wide association studies, quantitative genetics, and statistics

GCD:
The Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development (GCD) spans a broad spectrum of biological disciplines, including the storage and expression of information (genetics), its translation into the workings of individual cells (cell biology), and the assembly of cells into tissues and organ systems (development).
Our vision for the future of the department embraces three critical strategies: 1) integration of methods and ideas across disciplines, 2) collaborative projects that assemble the people required to achieve that integration, and 3) strategic use of model systems that provide the most powerful experimental access to important biological and medical problems. With our uniquely diverse expertise, these approaches allow us to build upon innovative basic science and to translate fundamental discoveries into direct benefits for society.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Scholarship
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.