The Forensic Molecular Biology (FMB) Research Program at The George Washington University focuses on the application of molecular biology, genetics, genomics, and bioinformatics to forensic science and human identification. The program's research seeks to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and informativeness of modern forensic genetic analyses while developing and evaluating new approaches for challenging biological evidence.
Current research projects in Dr. Daniele Podini's laboratory include:
- Development and evaluation of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and microhaplotype assays for human identification
- Recovery and analysis of nuclear DNA from rootless hair shafts
- Capture hybridization
- DNA repair
- Development and evaluation of forensic applications of Massively Parallel Sequencing (MPS)
- Development and application of bioinformatic workflows for the analysis, interpretation, and reporting of complex forensic genomic data
The Master of Science in Forensic Science program has experienced substantial enrollment growth over the past several years and provides a vibrant, research-driven academic environment. In accordance with the requirements of the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC), students complete an independent research project as part of their graduate training. The program therefore maintains a broad portfolio of active research projects and collaborations with academic, government, and forensic organizations, providing students with extensive opportunities to participate in applied forensic science research.
The Department of Forensic Sciences seeks to hire a Postdoctoral Associate to support and expand the Forensic Molecular Biology laboratory's research activities. This is a two-year position that will provide the successful candidate with opportunities to conduct independent and collaborative research, develop new molecular and genomic methods, analyze complex sequencing datasets, mentor graduate students, contribute to peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations, and participate in the development of grant proposals.
A strong background in bioinformatics and genomic data analysis is an important component of this position. The successful candidate will contribute to the development, implementation, and evaluation of computational workflows for processing and interpreting MPS data and will work at the interface of laboratory-based molecular biology and computational genomic analysis.
The Postdoctoral Associate will work closely with Dr. Podini, graduate students, research collaborators, and other members of the Department of Forensic Sciences and will play an important role in advancing the laboratory's ongoing and emerging research initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct independent and collaborative research in forensic molecular biology, forensic genetics, and human genomics
- Analyze and interpret complex genetic and genomic datasets generated through Massively Parallel Sequencing and other technologies
- Develop, implement, optimize, and evaluate bioinformatic pipelines for sequence processing, variant identification, genotyping, quality assessment, and downstream interpretation
- Design, implement, optimize, and validate molecular biology and genomic assays
- Mentor and provide technical guidance to master's students conducting independent research projects, including guidance in genomic data analysis and interpretation
- Contribute to the preparation of manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication, scientific presentations, and conference abstracts
- Participate in the preparation of grant applications, research reports, and other scientific documents
- Assist with laboratory operations, including development and maintenance of protocols, research compliance, quality practices, and scientific instrumentation
- Collaborate with academic, government, and forensic science partners on ongoing research projects
The position is particularly well suited for a candidate interested in working at the intersection of molecular biology, genomics, bioinformatics, and forensic science. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to combine experimental laboratory research with computational genomic analysis while gaining experience in graduate student mentorship, collaborative research, scientific publication, and externally funded research