Senior Research Scientist (PhD)

NYU Grossman School of Medicine is one of the nation’s top-ranked medical schools. For 175 years, NYU Grossman School of Medicine has trained thousands of physicians and scientists who have helped to shape the course of medical history and enrich the lives of countless people. An integral part of NYU Langone Health, the Grossman School of Medicine at its core is committed to improving the human condition through medical education, scientific research, and direct patient care. At NYU Langone Health, equity, diversity, and inclusion are fundamental values. We strive to be a place where our exceptionally talented faculty, staff, and students of all identities can thrive. We embrace diversity, inclusion, and individual skills, ideas, and knowledge. For more information, go to med.nyu.edu, and interact with us on LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Indeed, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Position Summary:
We have an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Senior Research Scientist (PhD).

The Brandes Lab at NYU School of Medicine is seeking a Senior Research Scientist to help drive the labs research agenda in applying advanced AI models in genomics. Our lab has been at the forefront of developing and using innovative AI models, especially protein language models, to predict protein function and the impact of genetic mutations. Compensation is based candidate’s experience and qualifications. 
For more information about our lab, visit brandeslab.org

Job Responsibilities:

Conduct cutting-edge genetic research using genomic large language models (LLMs) to analyze biological sequences (DNA, RNA and proteins) and genetic mutations. Analyze large-scale genetic datasets, including those from biobanks and other genetic cohorts. Analyze high-throughput experimental data, including from single-cell sequencing. Collaborate with lab members and external collaborators to achieve research objectives. Contribute to the preparation of research publications and grant proposals.

Potential Projects:

• Incorporate variant effect prediction in statistical genetics to implicate rare variants and establish causality. Utilize genomic LLMs to enhance genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and polygenic risk scores (PRS), allowing these studies to focus on variants more likely to have an impact.
• Identify specific genetic effects and optimize genomic sequences. Apply AI models to differentiate between various mutation effects, including loss-of-function, gain-of-function and dominant-negative effects. Integrate data from deep mutational scans and single-cell RNA sequencing to identify mutation combinations that optimize genetic backgrounds for therapeutic purposes.
• Make AI suitable for the non-coding genome. Generalize our approaches, currently focused on protein sequences, towards LLMs that predict the effects of non-coding variants and their roles in diseases.

Please apply with your CV and a brief outline (up to 2 paragraphs) of your relevant qualifications and interest in the position.

Minimum Qualifications:
To qualify you must have a Expertise in Computational biology
Background in machine learning
A collaborative mindset with excellent communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:
Expertise in computational biology, with an emphasis on genomic and genetic data analysis. Experience working with large-scale genetic/genomic datasets.
Proficiency in Python and Linux. Background in machine learning. Proficiency in modern AI algorithms, including deep learning, transformers and LLMs.
Experience with deep-learning models in Python, preferably using PyTorch. Experience with single-cell data. A collaborative mindset with excellent communication skills.

Qualified candidates must be able to effectively communicate with all levels of the organization.

NYU Grossman School of Medicine provides its staff with far more than just a place to work. Rather, we are an institution you can be proud of, an institution where you’ll feel good about devoting your time and your talents.

NYU Grossman School of Medicine is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of recruiting and employment. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration without regard to race, color, gender, gender identity or expression, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender dysphoria, national origin, age, religion, disability, military and veteran status, marital or parental status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other factor which cannot lawfully be used as a basis for an employment decision. We require applications to be completed online.
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NYU Langone Health provides a salary range to comply with the New York state Law on Salary Transparency in Job Advertisements. The salary range for the role is $85,000.00-$120,000.00 Annually. Actual salaries depend on a variety of factors, including experience, specialty, education, and hospital need. The salary range or contractual rate listed does not include bonuses/incentive, differential pay or other forms of compensation or benefits.

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