Postdoctoral Associate | Spatial Cancer Biology

Varn Lab

Farmington, CT

The Varn Lab is seeking a highly motivated computational biologist with a strong interest in the tumor microenvironment and spatial biology to help unlock the full potential of a unique glioblastoma dataset. Our group has generated a large volume of high-quality multiplex immunofluorescence data from a large series of rare brain tumor samples. We are looking for an innovative individual excited to extract new biological insights from these complex spatial datasets with the goal of defining novel principles of tumor-microenvironment interactions in the brain. The ideal candidate will take the intellectual lead on this dataset and work closely with Dr. Varn to produce a high-impact first-author manuscript in the first year. In parallel, the position offers substantial freedom to cultivate new skillsets, expand collaborative networks, and develop independent research directions that will position them competitively for the next stage of their career, whether pursuing faculty roles, industry research positions, or other leadership opportunities in the biomedical sciences.

Individuals in this position will have access to state-of-the-art cancer modeling and computational resources at The Jackson Laboratory as well as primary tissue samples through collaborative agreements between the Varn Lab and medical institutions. Scientific research will be conducted in a laboratory that is heavily invested in the mentoring, career development, and success of trainees. This mentoring will be supplemented with institutional resources that include year-round workshops hosted by JAX, scientific writing services, and intramural funding opportunities. Overall, individuals will be well-supported to grow their careers while conducting exciting research that blends the fields of cancer biology, microscopy, and computational biology.

Key Responsibilities

• Apply and develop computational methods to analyze cell-cell interactions using bulk, single-cell, and spatial datasets
• Manage and organize human tissue samples and associated metadata
• Employ critical and creative thinking skills to solve scientific problems
• Synthesize scientific literature into new project ideas
• Collaborate with other labs at JAX to integrate new techniques into the laboratory
• Write manuscripts and, in the long-term, apply for independent funding
• Present results at lab meetings, institutional symposia, and national conferences

Qualifications

• PhD in Genetics, Computational Biology, or a related field
• At least one first author publication in a peer-reviewed journal
• Experience in R, Python, or a related language
• Strong managerial and organizational skills
• Ability to drive projects forward and take initiative in solving problems
• A personal growth mindset and receptiveness to constructive feedback
• A desire to work with others, both collaboratively and as a mentor
• Excellent written and oral communication skills to disseminate results and methods to the group

Interested applicants should send their CV (including three references) and a cover letter to [email protected].

JAX Salary

Year 0 - 1: $65,589

Year 1 - 2: $67,318

Year 2 - 3: $69,095

Year 3 - 4: $70,521

Year 4 - 5: $72,877

Year 5 - 6: $75,569

Based on years of experience as Postdoc

About JAX:

The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center and nearly 3,000 employees in locations across the United States (Maine, Connecticut, California), Japan and China. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health.

Founded in 1929, JAX applies over nine decades of expertise in genetics to increase understanding of human disease, advancing treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging and heart disease. It models and interprets genomic complexity, integrates basic research with clinical application, educates current and future scientists, and provides critical data, tools and services to the global biomedical community. For more information, please visit www.jax.org.

EEO Statement:

The Jackson Laboratory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.