Post-Doctoral Associate in Cancer Data Science

About the Job

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials.
Required:
● A doctoral degree in genetics, bioinformatics, computer science, biostatistics, biomedical engineering, industrial engineering, applied mathematics, biophysics, or other appropriate areas;
● Strong motivation in working in cancer genomics and modeling of clonal dynamics
● Script language programming skills (e.g., R, Matlab, Python, Julia);
● Written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred:
● Experience in cancer genomics, or
● Knowledge of models in stochastic processes, or
● Background in the study of population genetics, or
● Experience in the application of statistical learning

Job description:
The Sun lab is seeking a highly-motivated postdoc with a passion and perseverance on advancing cancer data science. The Sun Lab (https://ruping.github.io/) is located at the University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities campus. Our work stems from the rationale that one can quantify intra tumor heterogeneity (ITH, or genomic diversity of cell populations) from patient tumor sequencing data and in turn leverage the patterns of ITH to infer the mode (or the way) of clonal evolution in vivo. We strive to bridge ITH with mathematical modeling in order to delineate the roles of the genomic aberrations on the development of patient tumors. For example, we are creating computational tools for yielding novel insights into both the evolutionary trajectories and roles of somatic copy number aberrations during tumorigenesis (https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.06.14.495959v1), and for connecting the genomic distance between longitudinal tumor samples with underlying evolutionary parameters through modeling (https://journals.plos.org/ploscompbiol/article?id=10.1371/journal.pcbi.1008838). We also maintain vigorous collaborations with experimental biologists, clinicians, and mathematical oncologists to maximize the impact of our work.

Example research topics are:
1) Modeling of the copy number evolution and clonal evolution in cancer.
2) Methods for quantifying and visualizing ITH from NGS data;

Based on his/her training background, the person who holds this position will receive mentoring on different aspects that he/she would like to develop further and a tailored training for career development. This includes but is not limited to grant writing, project design and management, and teaching skills. While the successful candidate is expected to get involved in the aforementioned research topics, his/her own research interests will be encouraged and promoted under the general scope of the lab. For more information on the position, applicants may directly email Ruping Sun, Ph.D. (ruping@umn.edu).

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $61,008 - $74,088, follows the NIH stipend levels by experience; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

How To Apply

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).

Diversity

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.

Employment Requirements

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.

About the U of M

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.