Summary
The Lebanese American University (LAU) is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Human Genetics and Functional Genomics at the Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanon.
The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary research team working on human genetics, rare diseases, genomic medicine, and functional characterization of genetic variants. The research will focus on discovering novel genetic causes of human diseases and experimentally investigating the functional consequences of variants identified through whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing.
The appointment is for two years, with the possibility of renewal depending on performance and funding.
Summary Table
| Position | Postdoctoral Research Fellow |
|---|---|
| Institution | Lebanese American University (LAU) |
| School | Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine |
| Research Area | Human Genetics, Functional Genomics, Rare Diseases |
| Location | Lebanon |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Degree Required | PhD |
| Relevant Disciplines | Human Genetics, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Genomics, Cell Biology, or related fields |
| Key Skills | Molecular biology, genetic variant analysis, functional assays, RNA/protein studies |
| Application Deadline | October 31, 2026 |
| Application Email | cybel.mehawej@lau.edu.lb |
Designation
Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Human Genetics and Functional Genomics
Research Area
- Human Genetics
- Functional Genomics
- Rare Diseases
- Genetic Variant Functional Validation
- Genomic Medicine
- Precision Medicine
- Molecular and Cellular Biology
- Genetic Variant Interpretation
- Whole-Exome and Whole-Genome Sequencing
Location
Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Lebanon
Eligibility / Qualification
Candidates should have:
- A PhD in Human Genetics, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Genomics, Cell Biology, or a closely related discipline.
- A strong background in human genetics and molecular biology.
- Experience with molecular biology techniques such as:
- PCR
- RT-PCR/qPCR
- DNA/RNA analysis
- Cloning
- Protein analysis
- Experience designing and interpreting functional assays.
- Ability to independently plan experiments, analyze experimental results, and troubleshoot laboratory procedures.
- Strong scientific writing and communication skills.
Preferred Skills
The following experience is preferred but not mandatory:
- Genetic variant analysis and interpretation, particularly variants of uncertain significance (VUS).
- Functional validation of genetic variants.
- RNA studies and splicing assays.
- Minigene assays.
- Gene expression analysis.
- Western blotting or protein functional assays.
- Cell culture and transfection.
- Flow cytometry.
- CRISPR/Cas-based approaches.
- Functional studies of rare-disease genes.
- ACMG/AMP variant classification and evidence assessment.
- Next-generation sequencing and genomic data interpretation.
Job Description
The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will contribute to research focused on identifying new genetic disorders and novel genetic causes of human diseases and determining the functional consequences of genetic variants.
Key responsibilities include:
- Functionally characterizing and validating genetic variants, particularly VUS and potentially disease-causing variants.
- Designing and implementing functional assays to determine the impact of candidate variants.
- Investigating the molecular consequences of genetic variants at the RNA and/or protein level.
- Developing and optimizing cellular and molecular biology assays.
- Integrating experimental functional data with clinical and genomic information to support variant classification and interpretation.
- Analyzing and interpreting experimental results.
- Collaborating with clinicians, geneticists, bioinformaticians, and international research partners.
- Contributing to scientific publications and research presentations.
- Assisting with grant applications and other research activities.
The position offers opportunities to work in an interdisciplinary environment focused on rare diseases, genomic medicine, and precision medicine, with access to clinical and genomic datasets and collaboration opportunities with international research groups.
Duration
The appointment is for 2 years, with the possibility of renewal subject to performance and available funding.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Brief cover letter describing research experience and interest in functional variant validation
- Contact information for two academic references
- Selected publications list, if applicable
Applications should be submitted by email to:
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
Last Date to Apply
October 31, 2026
About the Institution
Lebanese American University (LAU) is a higher education institution in Lebanon with research activities spanning multiple disciplines, including medicine and biomedical sciences.
