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Role Description:
The advance of human genetics in recent years driven by the large scale human genome-sequencing and genome-wide association in multiple disease areas has brought the research community and pharmaceutical industry an unprecedented opportunity to utilize this information and technology to facilitate innovative drug discovery and development. We have now reached a key point at which human genetics is sufficiently mature to aid the drug discovery process in several important areas.
A combination of genetic epidemiology, quantitative genetics, and functional genomics will facilitate our ability to identify mechanisms, indications, patients and biomarkers, all of which would be guided by an evidence base in humans. Carefully designed and implemented pharmacogenetic studies of drug responses in clinical trials could provide novel mechanistic learnings to support combination therapy or biomarkers for patient stratification.
Here, we are looking for an expert in human genetics with sound knowledge of applying quantitative methods to human genetics and genomics as tools for target discovery/validation, biomarker/indication identification, patient stratification through genetic association analyses and functional biology studies.
Responsibilities:
- Provide quantitative genetics expertise and conduct analyses to derive impactful results through through interactions and collaborations with Neuroscience & Pain Research Unit.
- Provision of expertise and quantitative skill to the Research Unit on the application of genetics and functional genomics to inform: - identification of novel therapeutic targets; - review and validation of therapeutic hypotheses; - mechanistic understanding of disease pathogenesis and causal pathways; - innovative approaches to identifying mechanism related biomarkers via integrating genetics with clinical and ‘omic datasets. - matching novel therapies to patients with relevant pathogenic trajectories.
- Lead quantitative analysis, data integration, and methodology development for genetics projects by interacting with internal experts in statistics, bioinformatics, computational biology, and clinicians and research project leaders.
- Survey the literature and conferences for discoveries and findings from the broader genetics community. Integrate such findings into study opportunities and considerations internally.
- Responsible for implementation of the endorsed genetics strategy into the Neuroscience & Pain Research Unit.
- Responsible for ensuring high-quality genetic data is incorporated into exploratory research programs
- Responsible for establishing and maintaining external collaborations to specified timelines and milestones
- Communicate and report study findings and analyses with leadership, administration, and collaborators.
- Manage, support and promote relationships with the external community that can add value to target selection at Pfizer and enable collaborative use of Pfizer patient samples
- Work collaboratively with other human geneticists in Pfizer at both a scientific and infrastructure level
Qualifications:
Education and Training:
- PhD in genetics, statistical genetics, or genetic epidemiology
- Expertise in genetics preferred in neurodegenerative or psychiatric disorders.
- Sound statistical and quantitative skills, with working knowledge of epidemiological principals and population-based research.
Experience:
- Track record of innovative and impactful research in genetics of complex traits (peer-reviewed publications, preferably in the field of neurodegenerative or psychiatric disorders)
- Experience analyzing genetic data sets and integrating additional data types to further clinical and biological understanding.
- Evidence of scientific leadership role with responsibility for research project delivery
- Experience with multiple genetics platforms (chip-typing, WES & WGS, Sanger, custom capture targeted sequencing, etc.) as well as other genomic profiling technologies (microarrays, RNASeq, etc.).
- Identifies, proposes and develops new methodology and analytical concepts
- Able to effectively interact and communicate with multidisciplinary scientists, researchers and non-scientists – internally and externally
Ideally, the candidate would also have one or more the following:
- Post-doctoral studies in genetics of neurodegenerative or psychiatric disorders
- Previous experience of the application of genetics to drug discovery or patient stratification
- Proven track record of leading and delivering on multiple programs in parallel
- Strong skills in statistical genetics including GWAS data analysis and NGS data interpretation
Pfizer is committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability or veteran status. Pfizer also complies with all applicable national, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act and IRCA. Pfizer is an E-Verify employer.
Please apply online at pfizercareers.com, JOB ID: 1021587
Please add location to the title of this posting.
I checked the online job posting. To avoid everyone else the trouble of checking the online posting, the job is in Massasuchetts, Cambridge, USA. No relocation package is provided according to the posting.
I have to say it's one of the most interesting job offers in the industry that I've seen lately. I hope there will be more openings for bioinformaticians in the industry, outside of pure academia, in the next couple of years.