Postdoctoral Associate / Bioinformatician: Computational Discovery of Mammalian Riboswitches at Yale University, USA

The Breaker Laboratory at Yale University is seeking a highly motivated and talented Bioinformatician or Computational Biologist (Ph.D.) to join an interdisciplinary research team. Supported by a grant from the John Templeton Foundation, this postdoctoral position offers an exciting opportunity to uncover previously unknown RNA-based genetic regulatory systems in mammals using cutting-edge computational approaches integrated with experimental molecular biology.

Position Overview

Job Description & Responsibilities

The successful candidate will develop and apply advanced computational methods to identify evolutionarily conserved structured RNAs and candidate mammalian riboswitches from large genomics and transcriptomics datasets. The appointee will work in close synergy with experimental biologists who validate computational predictions via biochemical, genetic, and cellular assays.

• Develop and maintain computational pipelines for the discovery of structured RNAs and candidate mammalian riboswitches.
• Analyze large-scale genomics and transcriptomics datasets.
• Apply statistical, evolutionary, and machine learning/AI approaches to identify conserved RNA structures and regulatory elements.
• Integrate multiple sources of genomic and functional data to prioritize candidates for laboratory validation.
• Collaborate closely with wet-lab team members to guide experimental design and interpret biological results.
• Maintain reproducible computational workflows and well-documented analysis pipelines.
• Present research findings at laboratory meetings, international scientific conferences, and through peer-reviewed publications.

Eligibility and Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Genetics, Molecular Biology, or a related quantitative/biological discipline.
• Strong programming skills in Python, R, or similar languages.
• Demonstrated experience handling and analyzing large biological datasets.
• Familiarity with Linux-based computing environments and high-performance computing (HPC) clusters.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and written/verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

Desirable Skills:

• Comparative genomics and evolutionary sequence analysis.
• RNA secondary structure prediction algorithms and covariance models (RNA homology searches).
• Application of machine learning or artificial intelligence to biological datasets.
• Transcriptomics and RNA-seq data analysis workflows.

Research Environment

The Breaker Laboratory is internationally recognized for pioneering discoveries in RNA biology, including the discovery of dozens of classes of riboswitches, catalytic RNAs, and structured noncoding RNAs. Postdoctoral scholars benefit from a rich intellectual ecosystem, cutting-edge resources, and integration with the Yale Center for RNA Science and Medicine.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application directly via email to Dr. Ron Breaker. Please include the following materials:

• A cover letter outlining research interests, career goals, and relevant computational experience.
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) or résumé.
• Contact information for three professional references.

Email Application to: ronald.breaker@yale.edu

Last Date to Apply

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as they are received and will continue until the position is filled. Early application is strongly encouraged.

For more details on postdoctoral policies and benefits, visit the official Yale Office for Postdoctoral Affairs Job Announcement.