BACKGROUND

The Cornea Genetics Laboratory (http://www.jsei.org/aldavelab/) at the Stein Eye Institute on the University of California, Los Angeles campus is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral candidate with strong bioinformatics skills. The Lab focuses on identifying the genetic basis of the corneal dystrophies by utilizing traditional and cutting-edge technologies.The primary focus of the research currently being conducted is posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy (PPCD), a dominantly inherited disorder of the corneal endothelium. At least two chromosomal loci have been identified as being involved in the pathogenesis of PPCD: the PPCD1 locus on chromosome 20, in which the genetic basis has not yet been identified; and the PPCD3 locus on chromosome 10, in which truncating mutations in ZEB1 have been identified in approximately 1/3 of affected families.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The candidate will apply integrative genomics and systems biology approaches to identify causal genetic and molecular alterations that lead to the development of PPCD. We utilize both commercial and open-source approaches to data analysis.

REQUIREMENTS

Candidates are expected to hold a Ph.D. or equivalent in bioinformatics, computational biology, statistical genetics or other relevant areas. They are also expected to have a strong interest in working closely with cell and molecular biologists to interpret the complex relationships present among genetic, genomic, and phenotypic data generated from studies involving families with PPCD.

PREFERENCES

Proficiency or familiarity with R/Bioconductor, Perl, C++, Python/BioPython and relational databases (MySQL, etc) within a UNIX environment is expected and a working knowledge of high throughput datasets (e.g., gene expression, genotyping, and next-generation sequencing) is preferred.

LOCALE

Stein Eye Institute, UCLA

COMPENSATION

Based on NIH pay scale for postdoctoral fellows.

HOW TO APPLY

Please e-mail cover letter and CV to Dr. Anthony Aldave at aldave[at]jsei.ucla.edu.

DEADLINE

Until filled