Innovation Postdoctoral Fellow, DNA Damage & Repair

About the role

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will join Diseases of Aging and Regenerative Medicine (DARe) Cambridge and work on an innovative research project focused on DNA repair mechanisms and their role in treating age-related diseases.

Research Opportunity

DNA damage is a primary hallmark of aging, influencing metabolic and mitochondrial dysfunction. The Fellow will contribute to identifying novel mechanisms to boost DNA repair, potentially treating age-related diseases. Responsibilities include developing novel analytical methods, generating molecular biology tools, and performing cell culture experiments.

Essential Requirements

• PhD (or equivalent doctoral degree) in a quantitative science such as biology, medicinal science, computational biology or a related discipline completed prior to the fellowship start date.
• Demonstrated record of scientific achievement (publications, presentations, patents, or equivalent).
• Strong commitment to learning, innovation, and professional development.
• Strong background in computational biology with expertise in omics data analysis, including RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, proteomics, protein networks, etc.
• Demonstrated experience in wet-lab techniques (cloning, western blot, qPCR, assay development, or experimental validation).
• Cell culture experience.
• Experience in programming languages such as Python or R.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot technical issues.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a matrix environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong publication record or other scientific achievements (awards, patents, grants).

Desirable Requirements

• Working knowledge of state-of-the-art artificial intelligence methods and applications.
• Experience with IPSC derived cultured models and cell line engineering.
• Experience in using machine learning techniques to analyze omics data.
• Experience in integrating and interpreting multiple data modalities to generate biological hypotheses.
• Experience in working in a high-performance computing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop novel analytical methods and translate computational insights into wet-lab assay development.
• Work on the complete data analysis workflow: defining problems, data collection, data cleaning and wrangling, exploratory and confirmatory analyses, data visualization and storytelling.
• Develop molecular biology tools.
• Perform and design cell culture experiments (including IPSC-derived relevant cell models).
• Innovate and drive forward-thinking research initiatives.
• Embrace a multidisciplinary and collaborative approach.
• Develop and nurture relationships with key collaborators and stakeholders.
• Present research findings and insights at internal and external meetings.
• Stay updated with the latest research trends and advancements.

Compensation & Benefits

The starting salary for this position is 87,000 USD per year. US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves.

EEO Statement

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.