We welcome strongly motivated researchers to join our group. Aiming to understand the fundamental principles of living systems at the scales of molecules, genomes and cells, we conduct highly interdisciplinary research in the areas of computational biophysics, computational biology, systems biology and bioinformatics. As a computational lab, we enjoy close collaboration with leading experimental labs on campus and in other research institutions. We publish in high-impact journals, including Nature, Cell, Science, Nature Immunology, Nature Genetics, Nature Communications, Cancer Cell. Past group members have been well placed in both academia and industry. Programming and quantitative skills are basic requirement. Qualities including intellectual curiosity, work ethic, attention to detail and effective communication skills are equally important for success.
GWU is located in a hub of prominent scientific organizations (National Institutes of Health, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Janelia Farm, NIST, Children’s National, NASA, NSF). The Greater Washington D.C. is endowed with a mild climate yet four distinct seasons and is home to numerous attractions. With an ethnically diverse population, cultural variations can be seen throughout the region. It enjoys a strong job market.
Postdoc (one available)
One post-doc researcher position in computational genomics, bioinformatics and systems biology in the lab of Dr. Weiqun Peng at the George Washington University is available in the second half of 2024. The overarching theme of our research is gene regulation and epigenetics, aiming to both understand the gene regulatory networks’ fundamental design principles and identify specific mechanistic implementations in immune and cancer systems and developmental processes. The research in the lab includes close collaborations with experimental groups and the development of computational methods, with a focus on integrative analysis of multi-omics data (including those for transcriptome, epigenome, and 3D genome). Approaches include statistical modeling, advanced machine learning and biophysics-inspired principled methodologies. Recent representative work from the lab includes
- Tcf1–CTCF cooperativity shapes genomic architecture to promote CD8+ T cell homeostasis, Shan Q et al. Nature Immunology, 8, 1222, 2022
- Tcf1 and Lef1 provide constant supervision to mature CD8+ T cell identity and function by organizing genomic architecture, Shan Q et al. Nature Communications, 12, 1, 2021
- Transcriptome-wide stability analysis uncovers LARP4-mediated NFκB1 mRNA stabilization during T cell activation, Tian Y et al. Nucleic Acids Research, 15, 8724, 2020
- Predicting CTCF-mediated chromatin interactions by integrating genomic and epigenomic features, Kai Y et al. Nature Communications, 9 4221, 2018
- The transcription factor Runx3 guards cytotoxic CD8+ effector T cells against deviation towards follicular helper T cell lineage, Shan Q et al. Nature Immunology, 18 931, 2017
Qualifications:
The ideal applicant should hold a doctoral degree or equivalent qualification in computational biology, bioinformatics, (bio)statistics, computer science, physical science or a similar field. Strong programming and quantitative background are required. Prior experience in computational genomics and/or machine-learning approaches is desirable. Candidates should have a genuine interest in solving biological problems using quantitative approaches. A successful candidate is expected to be highly motivated and a critical thinker. In addition, the candidate is expected to be able to communicate effectively and work well in a team.
Additional Information:
Salary and fringe benefits will be commensurate with experience. Interested applicants please send a cover letter (with a brief description of research experience and interests), CV and the contact information of at least three references to Dr. Weiqun Peng (wpeng at gwu dot edu). The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.
Graduate students
Prospective students with a physics background should apply to the graduate program in GWU Physics. For those with backgrounds in other areas arrangement may also be made. Interested students are encouraged to contact Dr. Peng for more information.
Undergraduate students
We enthusiastically encourage undergraduate research. Students receive mentoring and systematic training and will work in a caring and stimulating environment. Students will enjoy the opportunity to contribute in cutting-edge research and be recognized with authorship in publications. Students do not have to major in physics, and those with strong programming and quantitative skills are especially welcome. Please contact Dr. Peng for more information.