Postdoctoral Research Associate

About the Role

The Cheng Lab at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to investigate fundamental mechanisms of gene regulation and genetic variation in human hematopoiesis and blood disorders. Our laboratory integrates single-cell multi-omics, functional genomics, human genetics, computational biology, and genetic/epigenetic perturbation to understand how cis-regulatory elements (CREs) control gene expression and how genetic variation in these elements contributes to human phenotypes and disease.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will have flexibility to develop projects within the laboratory’s broader research program. Potential directions include:

• Integrating single-cell transcriptomic, epigenomic, and multi-omic data to understand gene regulation and cellular heterogeneity.
• Determining how genetic and structural variation alters cis-regulatory architecture and gene expression.
• Defining regulatory networks and genotype-to-phenotype relationships through computational genomics.
• Functionally testing regulatory elements and genetic variants using CRISPR-based genetic and epigenetic perturbation.
• Translating discoveries in gene regulation into new strategies for genome editing and genetic therapies.

One major NIH-funded project investigates fetal hemoglobin (HbF) regulation in SCD as a model for understanding regulatory heterogeneity. This project integrates single-cell multi-omics, human genetics, chromatin profiling, whole-genome sequencing, and genome editing.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent degree in genetics, genomics, computational biology, bioinformatics, molecular biology, systems biology, hematology, computer science, or related fields.
• Candidates with computational, experimental, or hybrid backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
• Experience in single-cell genomics, gene regulation/chromatin biology, computational genomics, human genetics, functional genomics, genome editing, or machine learning for genomic data is particularly relevant.
• Prior experience in sickle cell disease or erythroid biology is not required.

Qualifications

• PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent degree in genetics, genomics, computational biology, bioinformatics, molecular biology, systems biology, hematology, computer science, or related fields.
• Experience in single-cell genomics, gene regulation/chromatin biology, computational genomics, human genetics, functional genomics, genome editing, or machine learning for genomic data.

Application Instructions

Interested candidates should send a CV, a brief description of previous and future research interests, and contact information for three references to Yong Cheng, PhD, at [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.