Postdoctoral Fellow

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks:Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us!

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

JOB PURPOSE:

The Postdoctoral Fellow will conduct cutting-edge research in transcriptomics and epigenomics under the supervision of Dr. Wai Lim Ku in the Department of Medicine. The role aims to uncover the dynamics of immune cell differentiation and their implications for cellular phenotypes, advancing precision medicine approaches for chronic illnesses, cancer, sickle cell disease, and related conditions.

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY:

None

NATURE AND SCOPE:

This role operates within the laboratory of Dr. Wai Lim Ku in the Department of Medicine at Howard University, a research environment focused on transcriptomics and epigenomics. The fellow will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, including computational and experimental scientists, to address complex research questions with broad implications for human health. The position requires independent initiative and interaction with faculty, students, and potentially external collaborators.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Computational Track: Develop or apply advanced quantitative methods to model and analyze transcriptomic and epigenomic data; interpret results to uncover cellular dynamics.
• Experimental Track: Perform genomic, epigenomic, and single-cell experiments (e.g., RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, single-cell sequencing) to investigate immune cell differentiation.
• Hybrid Track (if applicable): Integrate computational and experimental approaches to address research goals.
• Conduct literature reviews and stay current with advancements in the field.
• Prepare research findings for publication and presentations at scientific conferences.
• Collaborate with lab members and contribute to grant-related reporting.

CORE COMPETENCIES:    

• Creative, ambitious, and critical thinking skills.
• Proficiency in quantitative analysis (Computational Track) or experimental techniques (Experimental Track).
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team setting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Passion for scientific discovery and advancing human health.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Computational Track:

• PhD (or anticipated by start date) in a quantitative discipline (e.g., Computational Biology, Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Physics, Mathematics, or related field).
• Proficiency in machine learning and/or genomics preferred; enthusiasm to learn new skills sufficient.
• Familiarity with language models, deep learning, causal inference, non-linear dynamics, or chaos theory is a plus (not required).

Experimental Track:

• PhD in a relevant biological field (e.g., Immunology, Molecular Biology, Genomics).
• Strong expertise in immunology and/or next-generation sequencing (e.g., RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, single-cell sequencing).

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

$60,000-$70,000