The Knowles lab (https://daklab.github.io/) at the New York Genome Center (NYGC) and Columbia University Departments of Computer Science and Systems Biology is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to work an NIMH-funded project to develop latent factor and network models of ​​neuropsychiatric disease (NPD) genetics. This multidisciplinary project is a collaboration with Dr. Niamh Mullins at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, an expert in NPD genetics, especially bipolar disorder, and member of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium.

The Knowles lab aims to understand the role of transcriptomic dysregulation across the spectrum from rare to common genetic disease. This involves better characterization of the genetic and environmental factors contributing to mRNA expression and splicing variation. Beyond this specific project there are opportunities for close collaboration with diverse research groups at NYGC collecting large-scale genomics datasets in the context of neurological disease and developing novel genomic technologies including single cell methods, forward genetic screens and long-read transcriptomics.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualize novel computational approaches for understanding the genetic factors and networks underlying ​​neuropsychiatric disease risk.
• Implement and document these methods following good software engineering practices.
• Benchmark these methods against existing baseline approaches e.g. using simulations.
• Apply these methods to diverse datasets.
• Document and present progress and results in written or oral reports to other lab members.
• Prepare manuscripts and external presentations including for consortium meetings.

Position Requirements

• PhD in computer science, statistical genetics, bioinformatics or related quantitative subject.
• Publication record including a first author paper on a relevant topic.
• 2+ years experience with
  • using Python or R (preferably both); and,
  • Unix systems/command line/bash; and,
  • NGS data analysis, functional genomics or human genetics; and,
  • software engineering best practices (e.g. version control, code review, unit testing).

Competencies

• Technical and Professional Skills : Consistently demonstrates skills and knowledge relevant for current role; strives to expand the depth and breadth of technical and professional skills; works with a high level of integrity; exhibits focus and discipline; appropriately prioritizes, manages expectations and delivers on commitments.
• Collaborative & Communicative: Models collaboration and teamwork; brings out the best in others; effectively works with all levels, internally and externally; respects and embraces diversity of perspective; communicates clearly and listens carefully; uses good judgment as to what to communicate and when to do so.
• Adaptable & Innovative: Adaptable and embraces change; develops new insights and pursues improvements and efficiency; fosters exchange of new ideas and willing to challenge the status quo; takes initiative and is solution-oriented; engages in work with passion and curiosity.

Salary

The pay range for this position is $58,500-68,000 per year; base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, NYGC offers a $1,000 per month taxable postdoctoral housing allowance and a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits as well as generous time off.

Work Flexibility

NYGC has established a flexible work policy to give employees and other staff more ability to balance their work, personal commitments, and commuting challenges. The incumbent in this position is eligible for a flexible work schedule or hybrid remote work arrangement (working onsite on Tuesdays and Thursdays at minimum) with supervisory approval.

About the New York Genome Center

The New York Genome Center (NYGC) is an independent, nonprofit, academic research organization dedicated to advancing genomic research. NYGC scientists and staff are furthering new approaches to diagnosing and treating neurological diseases and cancer through their unique capabilities in whole genome sequencing, RNA sequencing, state-of-the art analytics, and the development of genomic tools. NYGC concentrates specifically on disease-based research in the following areas: neuropsychiatric disease (autism, schizophrenia, bipolar); neurodegenerative disease (ALS, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s), and cancer.

Located in Lower Manhattan, the New York Genome Center was founded by and remains closely affiliated with twelve leading academic medical centers and research universities in the New York region and beyond, engaging in research projects with and for these institutions. Essential to our collaborative work is an outstanding faculty, whose members typically hold a joint appointment at NYGC and a partner university. They support our scientific mission by conducting independent research in areas of mutual interest to us and the wider scientific community.

Equal Opportunity

NYGC is committed to creating a workplace where our employees reflect the rich diversity of the New York community— in race, gender, age, cultures and beliefs — and we work to support this diversity through our employment practices. We want our employees to thrive both personally and professionally.

The New York Genome Center is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, creed, color, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic predisposition or carrier status, protected veteran or military status, domestic violence victim status, partnership status, caregiver status, alienage or citizenship status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The New York Genome Center takes affirmative action in support of its policy to hire and advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

FLSA Status – Exempt

This position is eligible for visa sponsorship and relocation assistance.

Required Skills

Required Experience

General Description:

Under the direction of the Human Resources leadership, this individual will be responsible for implementing and administering policies and programs covering all benefit and compensation plans. Manage, coordinate and implement employee benefit programs, including but not limited to medical, dental, vision, life, LTD, flexible spending plans and retirement programs. This is done with care, support, respect and integrity for our employees in a team environment .

**Qualifications: Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
**

1. Bachelor’s degree required; CEBS certification preferred.
2. Minimum of three years of experience in human resources, benefit administration experience preferred.
3. Thorough knowledge of Federal and State benefit related laws including but not limited to HIPAA, ERISA, FMLA, FSA, HSA, COBRA, MPSERS, Worker’s Compensation, ADA, Unemployment, and Title IX.
4. Two years of HRIS/Enterprise System experience (Colleague preferred) with the ability to maintain data integrity, produce quality reporting, and trouble shoot day-to-day issues. Ability to stay current with technology and reporting tools for the role.
5. Advanced technology experience – especially in working with Microsoft Excel including formulas and pivot tables preferred, as well as social media and research capabilities.
6. Experience administering self-funded medical plans preferred.
7. Demonstrated organizational ability, attention to detail, and solid decision-making skills.
8. Demonstrated ability to collect, compile and analyze data and interpret and apply laws and policies.
9. Excellent verbal and written communications skills demonstrating the ability to sustain communication with diverse groups, anticipate problems, and reconcile conflicts.
10. Ability to handle complex problems ethically, strategically and proactively, when appropriate.
11. Demonstrated ability to relate to people of all ages, races, and social-economic backgrounds.
12. Demonstrated use of tact, judgement and discretion and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
13. Highly motivated and solution oriented with a high degree of integrity, ethics and dedication to the mission of the college.
14. Strong organizational, planning and time management skills; ability to improve efficiencies, while building relationships using strong analytical and decision making skills.
15. Ability to work irregular schedule including evenings and possible weekends.
16. Requires personal transportation to and from extension centers or other locations as needed.

Essential Functions:

1. Delivers dedicated exemplary service to all employees while developing, implementing and administering compensation and benefit programs, policies and procedures.
2. Conducts open enrollments for various benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts, retirement, life, and disability.
3. Manages benefit enrollment system.
4. Develops benefit related communications.
5. Coordinates events and training relating to benefit programs including annual open enrollments.
6. Assists in managing relationship with benefit carriers, consultants and brokers.
7. Review employee eligibility for benefit plans and maintenance of plans including retirement programs.
8. Coordinates orientation programs for new employees; process all forms associated with the hiring of new employees, transfer and termination of employees.
9. Manages leave administration with employees and coordinates all necessary information with supervisors, payroll and human resources.
10. Administers workers’ compensation and medical incident reporting.
11. Conducts research and responds to annual benefit and compensation studies.
12. Assist in management and maintenance of HRIS System and website.
13. Coordinates and reconciles billing for benefits plans .
14. Manages the tuition benefit programs for employees.
15. Prepares annual wage memos and contracts for faculty, administrators and staff. Responsible for accurately entering new wage rates into the HRIS system.
16. Processes benefit and payroll adjustments, changes, and stipends submitting to payroll by the required deadlines.
17. Ensures compliance with Federal and state laws including but not limited to Section 125, FSA, COBRA, HIPAA and FMLA, Unemployment, IPEDS reporting, including analysis and data review for compliance with ACA and PA 152.
18. Prepares and maintain such reports as necessary to carry out functions of the Human Resources Office. Provide ad-hoc reporting as needed.
19. Research new benefit program options and make specific recommendations for new and/or revised benefit programs for management consideration.
20. Assists leadership with various projects and day-to-day functions.
21. Other duties as assigned.

Physical, Mental, and Environment Requirements Include:

Mental Demands:

☒ Detailed Work

☒ Student Contact

☒ Faculty Contact

☒ Deadline oriented

☒ Problem Situations

☒ Emergency Situations

☒ Multiple Priorities & Demands

☐ On-call Availability

☒ Confidentiality

☒ Continual Interruptions

☒ Working Alone

☒ Working with Others

Physical Demands:

☐ Standing & Walking ☒ Sitting ☒ Carrying

☐ Lifting up to 10 lbs. ☐ Up to 25 lbs. ☐ Up to 50 lbs. ☐ 80 + lbs.

☐ Pushing, Pulling, Twisting, Bending

☐ Climb or Balance

☐ Stoop, Kneel, Crouch, or Crawl

☐ Squatting

☐ Handle or Feel

☐ Reach with Hands and Arms

☒ Talking or hearing

☐ Tasting/Smelling

☐ Working Overhead

☒ Speak in English via Phone or In Person

☒ Close, Distance, Peripheral, and Color Vision along with Depth Perceptions

☒ Ability to Adjust and Focus

Work Environment:

☐ Exposure to wet, humid conditions (non-weather), fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals; extreme heat/cold; and moderate to loud noise levels.

☒ Normal Office environment with little, if, any, discomfort due to heat, dust, noise and the like. Ability to travel to all campus locations required.