Creating Health Equity Through Global Genomics Research

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Career Opportunities

Join us in advancing equity in genomics research

RESEARCH SCIENTIST POSITION TO LEAD FIELD STUDIES IN AFRICA

Positions are available for research scientists to conduct genomics research in Africa and the US. The Tishkoff lab at the University of Pennsylvania uses integrative genomic approaches to study human evolutionary history in Africa and the genetic basis of anthropometric, cardiovascular, metabolic, and immune related traits.

We are seeking research scientists with training and experience with “wet lab” molecular biology and/or genetics techniques. Ideally, they would also have experience doing field work and excellent interpersonal skills. The position would require preparing research and ethics applications in close partnership with African collaborators and government regulatory institutions. The successful candidate(s) would help oversee field work in partnership with African collaborators in remote regions of Africa. The position(s) may require extensive travel to different regions of Africa for periods of up to 6 months, on average, often living in “field conditions”. While in the US, the position would involve functional genomic and/or computational research in the Tishkoff lab at the University of Pennsylvania, studying the genetic basis of adaptive traits as well as genetic and environmental factors influencing disease risk in populations of African ancestry. Candidates will have an opportunity to develop creative, independent projects. There will be opportunities to work together with an outstanding team of collaborators with expertise in statistical and population genetics, translational genetics, infectious disease, public health, and functional genomics.

Candidates should have a masters and/or PhD and/or MD degree. They must have substantial experience in “wet lab” molecular biology techniques. An ideal candidate would have training in biological anthropology, biology, genetics/genomics, molecular biology, evolutionary biology, tropical diseases and/or public health. Starting dates are flexible and research in Africa will not be initiated until COVID restrictions are lifted and travel conditions are safe. Candidates will receive excellent salary and benefits, commensurate with their research experience.

Interested candidates should contact:
Dr. Sarah Tishkoff
David and Lyn Silfen University Professor
Departments of Genetics and Biology
University of Pennsylvania
email: tishkoff@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
https://www.med.upenn.edu/tishkoff/

Penn Center for Global Genomics & Health Equity Postdoctoral Fellowship (2021) CLOSED
Sponsored by Genentech | Applications will be reviewed on rolling basis

The Penn Center for Global Genomics & Health Equity in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania is seeking candidates for postdoctoral fellowships. With funding from Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, this fellowship aims to help train basic and translational research scientist from groups which are traditionally under-represented in biomedical research as outlined by the National Institutes of health. The goal of this fellowship is to facilitate training in biomedical research that aims to elucidate genomic and environmental risk factors contributing to health disparities and development of diagnostics and therapeutics to translate this research into the clinic and help reduce the burden of health disparities across the globe.

The University of Pennsylvania does not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, gender expression and/or identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, or any other protected status.

Application Due Date: Applications will be reviewed on rolling basis until positions are filled.

HOW TO APPLY

Before applying, applicants must first identify a PENN-based faculty mentor whose research aligns well with the candidate’s research interest. You may start your search for a mentor by visiting the Penn Center for Global Genomics & Health Equity website faculty page here or any other Perelman School of Medicine departments or centers (e.g. Dept. Genetics, Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Dept of Medicine) to select a faculty mentor. With the consent of the faculty member, prepare a 1-page personal statement and a 2-page research proposal to be submitted with the application package.

Application Details

Open to all nationalities (No US Citizenship or permanent residency required)
Candidate must complete their requirement for Ph.D. and/or MD degree by the fellowship start date.
Candidate must have completed their PhD and/or MD within the last five (5) years.
Record of research productivity and appropriate skills
Proposed research must focus on genetics/genomics research of diseases that show health disparities and/or genomic studies of groups traditionally under-represented in human genetic studies (e.g. see Sirugo, G., Williams, S.M., Tishkoff, S.A., The Missing Diversity in Human Genetic Studies, Cell 2019).
Candidate must be from a group under-represented in the biomedical sciences defined to include racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from disadvantaged background (see).
Research fit with selected training faculty.

Cover letter - label document as lastName_firstName_cover.pdf
Curriculum Vitae (CV) - label document as lastName_firstName_CV.pdf
1-page personal statement describing prior research accomplishments and how that has positioned you for this next phase of your career - label document as lastName_firstName_personal.pdf
2-page research proposal outlining specific aims, research plan, and how your work helps to address health disparities - label document as lastName_firstName_proposal.pdf
A minimum of 2 letters of recommendation. One must be from your most recent supervisor/mentor - email subject should be: Candidate_lastName Support Letter Penn Global Genomics & Health Equity Fellowship.
A letter from the PENN-based faculty member with similar research interest confirming their willingness to serve as the applicants’ primary mentor during the fellowship period. Faculty mentor should also outline proposed mentoring plan (one page single-spaced, and one-inch margin limit).

Application must be sent as a single PDF file emailed to PennGGHE@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Recommendation letter should be sent to PennGGHE@pennmedicine.upenn.edu directly from the writer with subject line Candidate LastNAME Support Letter Penn Global Genomics & Health Equity Fellowship.
Note: Fellowship application email must include in the subject LastNAME Penn Global Genomics & Health Equity Fellowship Application.
Always include lastName in the subject line of all communications

Stipend/Salary set at minimum NIH NRSA stipend level and benefits.
Annual allowance for travel to conferences (including hotel, airfare, food, and registration fees).
Potential support for 3-years. Support will initially be for 1 year. With satisfactory performance a 2nd and 3rd year fellowship support may be granted.
Fellowship location will be at the University of Pennsylvania campus, Philadelphia (map), unless the research is of a global nature.

Other Grants & Fellowships

Chronic, Noncommunicable Diseases and Disorders Research Training

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An international research training grants. Chronic, Non-Communicable Diseases and Disorders Across the Lifespan: Fogarty International Research Training Award (NCD-LIFESPAN) (D43 Clinical Trial Optional) (PAR-18-901)

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Global Brain Disorders Research

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A research project grant opportunity in brain and nervous system disorder. Global Brain and Nervous System Disorders Research across the Lifespan (R01 Clinical Trials Optional) (PAR-18-835).

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