Job Information
University of Utah Post Doc Res Assoc (Safavi-Hemami Lab) in Salt Lake City, Utah
Details
Open Date 11/28/2024
Requisition Number PRN40454B
Job Title Post Doc Res Assoc
Working Title Post Doc Res Assoc (Safavi-Hemami Lab)
Job Grade A00
FLSA Code Administrative
Patient Sensitive Job Code? No
Standard Hours per Week 40
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Shift Day
Work Schedule Summary
VP Area U of U Health - Academics
Department 01502 - Department of Biochemistry
Location Campus
City Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment External Posting
Pay Rate Range 64000 - 71352
Close Date 02/01/2025
Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)
Job Summary
We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher with a strong background in computational biology to join the Safavi Lab at the University of Utah. The overall objective of the innovative project it to discover and validate signaling peptides with therapeutic potential from diverse natural sources, including animal venoms. This project is in collaboration with Novo Nordisk, and the candidate will benefit from co-supervision and biannual visits to the Novo Nordisk’s Boston location.
Our group
The Safavi group focuses on building on and harnessing the explosion in biological sequence data to identify bioactive peptides from natural sources, including animal venoms, to tackle some of the currently most sought-after questions in endocrinology, molecular evolution, and peptide drug discovery. Our group has a strong interest in developing computational tools for sequence analysis with real world application. The international, mixed computational and experimental group is part of the Medical Campus at the University of Utah, and currently consists of four Postdocs, three PhD students, and one technician, all working within a strong international network.
The University of Utah
The University of Utah, located in the dynamic city of Salt Lake City, is a world-class institution known for its research excellence and collaborative academic environment. Nestled at the foot of the majestic Wasatch Mountains, the university offers a stunning backdrop for both work and recreation. Salt Lake City combines the amenities of a metropolitan area with affordable and accessible lifestyle. Residents enjoy year-round opportunities for outdoor adventures, including hiking, skiing, and mountain biking, with five national parks and numerous scenic destinations just a short drive away. The city boasts a growing arts and culture scene, diverse dining options, and a welcoming community.
Responsibilities
Signaling peptides (i.e., peptide hormones and neuropeptides) play crucial roles in physiological processes, making them highly relevant for therapeutic development. While recent advances in genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics have identified a wealth of putative signaling peptides encoded by small Open Reading Frames (smORFs), identifying genuine candidates remains challenging. This project will leverage state-of-the-art machine learning and bioinformatics to address key challenges in identifying signaling peptide candidates, predicting their bioactive forms, and pinpointing their target receptors. The role will involve developing and integrating computational tools and data from venom research with existing methodologies for smORF discovery. By combining advanced computational techniques and biological insights, the postdoc will contribute to groundbreaking discoveries in signaling peptide biology, which may lead to novel drug candidates for various diseases and enhance our understanding of peptide diversity and evolution.
The interdisciplinary nature of the project, which combines bioinformatics and data science with downstream molecular biology and pharmacology, will enhance the candidate’s expertise across multiple domains. It thereby not only offers a platform to contribute to transformative research but also paves the way for a future career in both adademic and industry.
Minimum Qualifications
Preferences
Essential Skills and Qualifications
Ph.D. in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Peptide Discovery, or a related field.
Strong programming skills in languages such as Python, and Bash.
Experience with bioinformatics tools and software for sequence analysis (e.g., BLAST , AlphaFold).
Familiarity with machine learning techniques for natural language processing and their application to biological data.
Familiarity with high-throughput DNA / RNA sequencing technologies and data interpretation.
Good communication skills, both verbal and written, for effective collaboration and dissemination of findings.
Desired Skills
Experience with data mining techniques and evolutionary biology analyses.
Knowledge of neuropeptide and or micropeptide biology and evolution.
Familiarity with proteomics sequencing technologies and data interpretation.
Ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams.
Experience with scientific writing and publication in peer-reviewed journals.
Familiarity with graphical tools for data visualization.
Type Benefited Staff
Special Instructions Summary
To apply, please submit your CV, a cover letter detailing your research experience and interests, and contact information for two references tohelena.safavi@utah.edu.
Additional Information
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented students and patients.
All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action ( OEO /AA). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at: https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/
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