Join us

Postdoc, graduate student, and visiting scholar positions are all open in the lab!

Postdoc positions

Computational biology and molecular biology postdoc positions are available in the laboratory of Wei Li at Children’s National Hospital and George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences at Washington, DC. In the past we have developed innovative bioinformatics algorithms to design, analyze and visualize genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 knockout screening data, used CRISPR screening to identify genes responsible for drug resistance and synthetic lethality, and further understand the functions of non-coding elements.

We are devoted to using cutting-edge computational methods, in combination with new genome engineering and single cell approaches to understand how coding and non-coding elements function in cancer and childhood diseases.

We also accept graduate students and visiting scholars. Please contact the PI directly for opportunities.

Outstanding research and living community

Candidates will join the outstanding research community at Children’s National Hospital and George Washington University, and have the opportunity to interact with scientists at nearby institutions including National Institute of Health (NIH), John Hopkins University, University of Maryland, etc.

Children’s National Hospital, based in Washington, D.C., has been serving the nation’s children since 1870. Children’s National is #6 overall, #1 for babies and ranked in every specialty evaluated by U.S. News & World Report for children’s hospital in the U.S. Home to the Children’s Research Institute, Children’s National is one of the nation’s top NIH-funded pediatric institutions. Children’s National is recognized for its expertise and innovation in pediatric care and as a strong voice for children through advocacy at the local, regional and national levels.

As the capital of United States, Washington DC is the hub of American politics and history. Washington DC metropolitan area (including Virginia and Maryland) is the home of people from diverse backgrounds, and is considered one of the best places to live and work in US.

Unique career development opportunities

By joining a newly established lab, the candidate will have unique opportunities to set up a research laboratory and interact with the PI/collaborators. The candidate will also gain experiences and guidances in a variety of aspects including grant writing, presentation, career transition, networking, etc.

Computational biology postdocs

We will conduct research focusing on the following areas:
  • Develop algorithms to analyze large-scale screening and sequencing data;
  • Use the latest machine learning algorithms to study cancer genomics data and identify predictive biomarkers or drug targets;
  • Collaborate with experimental and clinical labs to study a variety of biological and biomedical problems, including (1) pediatric diseases especially glioma and Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1); (2) the functions of coding and non-coding elements using genetic screening and single-cell sequencing approaches; and (3) other exciting collaboration projects.
Responsibilities of the position will include but not limited to: methodology development, coding, statistical analysis of big biomedical data, writing manuscript, application to postdoctoral fellowship and communication with other researchers.
Ideal applicants are expected to have:
  • PhD degree in Bioinformatics/Genetics/Computer Science/Statistics or other quantitative science;
  • Solid programming skills, strong publication record and the ability to work independently;
  • Experienced in cancer genomics data analysis and computational methodology development;
  • Ability to communicate and collaborate with other team members;
  • Additional expertise in cancer biology, machine learning, single-cell genomics and childhood diseases would be a plus.

Postdoc fellow: genomics and genome engineering

The successful applicant will be responsible for (1) establishing the basic components of a molecular biology lab, (2) utilizing CRISPR-Cas9 based gene editing and single cell technologies to understand human cancer and rare disease, especially in pediatric brain tumor, (3) identifying potential interventions. Candidate will also have the opportunity to receive rigorous training in bioinformatics and computational biology, and be under the joint supervision of collaboration labs at Children’s National. Prior lab experience with molecular biology techniques (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9) is required.

Ideal applicants are expected to:

  • Hold Ph.D. degree in cellular and molecular biology, biochemistry, etc.
  • Be experienced in molecular biology (tissue culture, PCR, cloning, genotyping, RNA and DNA isolation, flow cytometry, Western blots, etc.)
  • Familiar with genome editing (CRISPR/Cas9)
  • Demonstrate independent critical thinking and rigorous work.
  • Have strong record of productivity and good publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Have strong personal skills, and excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Work effectively both independently and collaboratively
  • Prior knowledge of pediatric diseases not required.

How do I apply?

Interested candidates should submit a CV, a cover letter of research background and future research goals, and the contact information of three references letters by email to Wei Li (li.david.wei AT gmail). More information can be found from our website (https://weililab.org).