We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow / computational biologist to join the laboratory of Dr Dana Tsui at MSKCC to develop informatics solutions for profiling circulating nucleic acids (DNA/RNA) in body fluids (plasma, urine, CSF), or so-called "Liquid Biopsy", of different cancer types for molecular diagnostics.

lab website: https://www.mskcc.org/research-areas/labs/dana-tsui/overview

Our goal: (1) develop molecular assays and informatic tools to profile circulating tumor DNA or RNA from body fluids and (2) evaluate its utility in different solid cancer types

We work with clinical trial teams and research groups specialized in a variety of solid tumors across MSKCC to address different questions (for example, we collect longitudinal samples and aim to compare ctDNA dynamics with clinical responses to evaluate its informatively on treatment decision.  The possible cancer types include: lung, breast, prostate, kidney, melanoma, brain, pancreas, etc, and we have a particular interest in paediatric cancers.

Our optimal goal is to develop an informatics workflow that can be implemented in the clinical workflow in a diagnostic laboratory setting.

Description of this role:

The successful candidate will participate in developing or optimizing analytical algorithm for NGS assays including targeted DNA/RNA sequencing, exome sequencing, whole genome sequencing, or DNA methylation.

Prior experience on analysis of MPS or NGS assays is necessary, preferably on data generated from FFPE or body fluids (plasma, urine, saliva, CFS) in pregnancy or pathological conditions (not limited to cancer). Experience on data analysis related to calling variants (point mutations / indel / structural rearrangement / copy number changes) or bisulfite DNA methylation (any of the above) will be necessary. Basic understanding of cancer genomics will be preferable. Basic understanding of the sequencing library preparation experimental workflow (different molecular strategies, such as capture, targeted etc) is preferable.

The development of analysis pipeline will be a jointed effort with the computational team(s) of the Innovation Laboratory of the Center for Molecular Oncology. Clinical implementation will be done in close collaboration with Diagnostic Molecular Pathology Laboratory. The ideal candidate will be a team-player with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Specific area of expertise:

• Analysis of NGS data – targeted/exome/whole genome sequencing, or DNA methylation (bisulfite sequencing data, or relevant)
• Variant calling – point mutations, indel, structural rearrangement, copy number changes
• Biomedical statistics

Application Requirements

If you are interested in joining our lab, please submit your curriculum vitae and a cover letter detailing your past research experience, accomplishments, current motivation and future research interests. Include your expected availability date and the names and contact information of three referees to Dana Tsui c/o Yessie Werner at dtlabmskcc@gmail.com

About Our Organization

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center offers first-rate research training for postgraduate biomedical scientists and for clinician-scientists who are in the training stages of their careers. We are committed to helping you gain the experience, skills, and credentials you will need to join a new generation of scientific leaders. In addition to laboratory research training, we offer an extensive career development program to help you achieve your individual goals.

Postdoctoral researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering work alongside some of the world’s leading scientists. In addition, the Center is home to more than 35 state-of-the art core facilities that foster highly productive research.

More information about postdoctoral fellowship at MSKCC: 
https://www.mskcc.org/education-training/postdoctoral

Benefits and compensations: 
https://www.mskcc.org/education-training/postdoctoral/compensation-benefits-resources

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center is an equal opportunity employer with a strong commitment to enhancing the diversity of its faculty and staff. Women and applicants from diverse racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds are encouraged to apply.