Postdoctoral Associate - Genetics and Functional Genomics

About the Role

The Department of Ophthalmology at Baylor College of Medicine is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate in human molecular genetics/genomics for the laboratory of Dr. Rinki Ratnapriya. The lab focuses on leveraging genomic technologies to tackle translational and clinical bioinformatic challenges related to retinal and macular degenerative diseases, with an emphasis on understanding the role of non-coding cis-regulatory sequence variation in retinal diseases.

The lab generates high-throughput functional genomics datasets on the genome, epigenome, and transcriptome in disease-relevant tissues/cells and employs computational approaches to integrate and analyze this data, identifying molecular components and regulatory structures underlying gene expression variation.

Responsibilities

• Plans, designs, conducts, and analyzes independent and collaborative research projects focused on retinal biology and disease mechanisms.
• Performs experiments using human tissues, model organisms, and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cells, including cell culture, differentiation, characterization, and disease-relevant assays.
• Designs, implements, and operates bioinformatics pipelines using existing analytical tools for NGS applications, including analysis of bulk and single-cell genomic and transcriptomic datasets.
• Applies intellectual curiosity and a passion for data science to address biomedical research questions, particularly those related to retinal biology and disease.
• Prepares manuscripts, abstracts, presentations, and grant-related materials for dissemination of research findings through scientific journals and conferences.
• Maintains accurate and comprehensive laboratory records, analyzes and organizes research data, and ensures compliance with institutional and laboratory policies and procedures.
• Collaborates with investigators and research teams across disciplines and contributes to the development of new research directions and projects.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• MD or Ph.D. in Basic Science, Health Science, or a related field.
• No prior experience required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong programming skills in Python and R, with a solid background in molecular biology.
• Experience in ophthalmology or vision research.
• Demonstrated scientific productivity, rigor, and creativity, with a strong record of publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Pay

Baylor College of Medicine typically follows the NIH stipulated stipend guidelines for Postdoctoral Associates.

About Baylor College of Medicine

Baylor College of Medicine fosters diversity among its students, trainees, faculty, and staff as a prerequisite to accomplishing its institutional mission. Diversity, respect, and inclusiveness create an environment conducive to academic excellence, strengthening the institution by increasing talent, encouraging creativity, and ensuring a broader perspective. Baylor is committed to reducing disparities in health and healthcare access and addressing the needs of the community it serves.