Postdoctoral Positions in Computational Genomics: NIDCR Salivary Disorders Unit (Warner Lab)

The Group: The Salivary Disorders Unit (Warner Laboratory) invites applications from highly motivated late-stage PhD and early phase post doctoral (no more than 2 years out from their PhD) researchers interested in applying and integrating innovative computational approaches for the analysis of next-generation sequencing (single cell RNAseq) and spatial transcriptomics/proteomics data (10X Xenium, PhenoCycler) generated from human specimens (Pranzatelli, et al., 2023 Res Sq - preprint), and mouse models. We are seeking individuals with expertise in single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial biology platforms, and a keen interest in using human ex vivo organ culture models to interrogate the cell-specificity of pathogenic inflammation in the context of systemic autoimmune diseases (e.g., Sjögren’s Disease). The successful candidates’ primary research project will focus on identifying and characterizing novel tissue-enriched antigen-specific T cells in blood and gland of patients affected by Sjögren’s Disease, a systemic autoimmune disease (Dezfulian, et al., 2023, Cell).

Research Focus: The central question of our research is what drives exocrine epithelial cell targeting by T lymphocytes in inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. To answer these questions, we have built a research program integrating clinical (Sjögren's Clinic), and translational efforts (Warner Lab), extensive human tissue biobank and clinical phenotyping database, and a well-coordinated research laboratory. This collaborative environment is ideally suited to unraveling the immunopathology and genetics of Sjögren’s Disease and other inflammatory injuries to the salivary glands.

Our lab employs cutting-edge techniques in systems immunology and bioinformatics, we focus on integrating and analyzing data from single-cell RNA-sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, and multispectral flow cytometry. By generating datasets from human tissues, we have a direct means of testing hypotheses related to exocrine organ function in the context of inflammation. In our pursuit, we utilize ex vivo organs as models to explore innovative therapies and unravel disease mechanisms.

Our past achievements underscore our commitment to advancing knowledge, including the discovery of novel cell types and the tropism of SARS-CoV-2 in human saliva and salivary glands (Huang, Perez, et al., 2021, Nature Medicine), the therapeutic potential of JAK inhibition in Sjögren’s Disease (Gupta & Yamada, et al., 2023 medrxiv), and insights into immune-mediated injury of the salivary glands from immune checkpoint inhibitors (Warner & Baer, et al., 2019). Joining our team means becoming part of a vibrant, diverse, and interdisciplinary community within the NIDCR Salivary Disorders Unit (Warner Lab), contributing to groundbreaking research at the intersection of clinical and scientific exploration.

Computational Innovations: Our groups are dedicated to developing novel computational algorithms to investigate cellular communication within affected tissues, identify pathways aberrant in disease, and discover potential therapeutic targets. Postdoctoral fellows will have ample opportunities to engage in rich and varied training and career development activities, as well as collaborate with other investigators, within the NIDCR and more broadly the NIH.

• Ph.D. or equivalent in computational biology, bioinformatics, immunology, biology, genomics, genetics, or a related field; M.S. or Graduate Students with the above qualifications may be considered.
• Strong programming skills (e.g., Python, -R).
• Proficiency in computational approaches for the analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing (TCR/BCR, multiomics), spatial transcriptomics/proteomics (10X Xenium, PhenoCycler Fusion), and spectral flow cytometry data.
• Proficiency in basic molecular biology and mammalian tissue culture.
• Interest in applying single cell and spatial-informed analyses to analyze human tissues and perform ex vivo organ co-culture/organoid studies.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research setting (scientists, clinicians).
• Excellent communication skills.
• Track record of publication in relevant scientific journals.

Join us in advancing cutting-edge computational genomics research at the NIDCR Salivary Disorders Unit. Apply now to be part of a dynamic team dedicated to unraveling the complexities of salivary immunity and contributing to understanding the mechanistic basis of autoimmune diseases.

The NIH is dedicated to building a diverse community in its training and employment programs and encourages the application and nomination of qualified women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities.