Postdoctoral Fellow - Gu Lab - Bioinformatics & Cancer Biology

Overview

Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Versiti Blood Research Institute (VBRI) is the largest blood-focused research institute in the United States. With over 30 basic, translational, and clinical investigators, the institute is dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and developing innovative therapies related to blood and blood disorders. The institute's research interests encompass a wide range of topics, including transfusion medicine, cellular therapy, thrombosis/hemostasis, immunology, and hematologic malignancies. As a vital part of Versiti, a non-profit organization with a blood bank at its core, the VBRI strives to improve lives through innovative research and the development of novel diagnostics and treatments.

VBRI is part of the Milwaukee Regional Medical Campus, a rapidly growing clinical-translational research hub. VBRI’s proximity to the Medical College of Wisconsin, Childrens’ Hospital of Wisconsin, and Froedtert Hospital facilitates seamless interdisciplinary collaborations. A range of exemplary core facilities support highly competitive research. In the summer of 2024, construction of a new research building began, doubling existing VBRI research space to enable the recruitment of 10-15 new faculty. With its renowned researchers, strategic expansion plans and location in a highly collaborative environment, the VBRI is poised to maintain and expand its position as one of the leading hematology institutes in the world.

Position Summary

Under the direction of a Principal Investigator, further develops and expands understanding of scientific theory in his/her area of interest. Incumbent also learns and applies scientific laboratory techniques and gains experience in other areas of research that will lead to increased probability of success as an independent scientist. 

The Gu Laboratory at the VBRI is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow in Computational Biology, Artificial Intelligence, and Multi-Omics Data Science. This position offers an exciting opportunity to develop and apply cutting-edge machine learning, deep learning, and statistical approaches to uncover the molecular mechanisms of cancer and other complex diseases. Our research focuses on integrative analysis of large-scale multi-omics datasets, including genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, and epitranscriptomics, with a particular emphasis on hematologic malignancies such as Acuter Myeloid Leukemia. By combining advanced AI methods with large-scale high-dimensional biological data, the lab aims to identify novel biomarkers, discover regulatory mechanisms, and advance precision medicine strategies for early diagnosis, risk prediction, and targeted therapies. The successful candidate will work in a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment, interacting with computational scientists, clinicians, and experimental biologists across Versiti and the Milwaukee Regional Medical Campus. The fellow will have the opportunity to lead innovative research projects, contribute to high-impact publications, and develop the skills necessary for a successful independent research career. This is a training position with an expected duration of 1–3 years, designed to provide advanced experience in computational biology, AI-driven biomedical research, and collaborative translational science.

Total Rewards Package

BenefitsVersiti provides a comprehensive benefits package based on your job classification. Full-time regular employes are eligible for Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans, Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays, Short- and Long-term disability, life insurance, 7% match dollar for dollar 401(k), voluntary programs, discount programs, others.

Responsibilities

• MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
  • * Works with Principal Investigator to develop a research project.
  • * Investigate complex interactions within multi-omics data to advance our understanding of cancer development.
  • * Develop and apply machine learning, deep learning, and statistical methodologies to address computational challenges in high-dimensional, multi-platform omics data analysis.
  • * Troubleshoots assays and customizes experimental tools to answer research questions.
  • * Coordinates external and internal resources necessary for completion of research plan. * Provides direction to Technologists and Trainees.
  • * Generates clear and complete records of experimental work.
  • * Communicates results of research at meetings.
  • * Participates in publication and presentation of research.
• GENERAL DUTIES
  • * Adheres to BCW, Bio-safety, NRC, OSHA procedures and regulations.
  • * Attends required laboratory meetings.
  • * Maintains currency with information relative to the field of research being performed.
  • * Serves as a resource for techniques, information, instrumentation, interpretation of data, etc. for laboratory personnel
  • * May be expected to help direct the work of Research Technologists.
  • * Operates, calibrates and performs routine maintenance on specialized research equipment.
  • * May maintain or oversee maintenance of inventory of laboratory supplies and equipment.
  • * May prepare and/or authorize requisitions for ordering supplies and equipment.
  • * Performs other laboratory duties as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Complies with all policies and standards

Qualifications

Education

• PhD or equivalent degree required

Experience

• 0 – 6 years of postdoctoral training required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to independently apply understanding of scientific theory to the structure and execution of research experiments. required
• Proficiency in Python or R, preferably both, or other programming languages. required
• Knowledge of cancer and RNA biology, genomics, and Next Generation Sequencing data is a valuable asset. required
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and explain the theoretical basis of the work performed. required
• Ability to perform research procedures independently. required
• Immediate proficiency in basic and sophisticated experimental tests and procedures. required
• Exceptional organizational skills. required
• Strong detail orientation and analytical ability. required
• Excellent problem solving skills. required
• Ability to prioritize and execute multiple tasks and meet deadlines. required
• Computer literate with an emphasis on graphics, graphing, data management, and statistical applications required

Tools and Technology

• Specialized research equipment required
• Personal computer required

#LI-EH1

#VBRI