Dec 12, 2018 - Open Positions with the Biomedical Systems Engineering Research Group at Harvard SEAS

Multi-omic studies towards the identification of robust biomarkers for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-doc Opening Harvard University in School of Engineering & Applied Sciences

The aims of this Army-funded study are identifying, validating and characterizing blood-based diagnostic biomarkers for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Harvard is part of a collaborative consortium of researchers that includes NYU, UCSF, Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, the Institute for Systems Biology, and the Army Center for Environmental Health Research. At Harvard, the team continues to work on (i) optimizing the panel of heterogeneous (multi-omics) markers for diagnosing PTSD, (ii) identifying dysregulated subnetworks that are related to glucocorticoid receptor regulation and Fc epsilon R1 signaling in PTSD based on changes in DNA methylation patterns, (iii) constructing, validating and characterizing polygenic risk profiles for PTSD, and (iv) identifying mechanisms underlying metabolic dysfunction in PTSD with a network based mathematical modeling using correlational and causal analysis. In the next phase of the project, in addition to refinement and further validation of these results on larger independent cohorts, we aim to characterize their properties by investigating the impact of comorbidity, demographic factors, and symptom severity range on biomarker performance. We also plan to enhance and refine (for example, by focusing on subsets of features or updating parameters) the panels as necessary with the ultimate goal of building a robust PTSD diagnostic biomarker panel. Interested candidates should send a resume, optional cover letter, and three professional references as a single PDF to Claire Van Strien cvanstrien@seas.harvard.edu.

Diabetes Research Group

Post-doc Opening Harvard University in School of Engineering & Applied Sciences

The Diabetes Research Group at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences is seeking post-doc fellows that would like to be engaged in cutting edge interdisciplinary biomedical research and the development of novel control algorithms to improve glucose control and quality of life for people with type 1 diabetes mellitus under the supervision of Dr. Dassau.  The research activity will include algorithm development, computer simulations and translation of the work to human clinical studies. Basic Qualifications   A Ph.D. degree (or close to completion) in Systems and Control, Applied Mathematics, Electrical or Mechanical or Chemical Engineering, or related field is required. Ideal candidates must have a strong background in design and development of MPC algorithms, System Theory, Automatic Control, and Optimization. Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills and ability to write peer reviewed papers with limited supervision. Must have the ability to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of scientists and medical professionals on a large project at all stages. Experience using Matlab, Java is required. Additional Qualifications Preference for individuals familiar and interested in translational medicine or biomedical-related fields. This position requires an individual capable of consistent use of discretion, judgment, and initiative. Experience using C, embedded C and Python is a plus. Required documents An informal cover letter and/or personal statement, no longer than 1 page and detailed curriculum vitae with a list of publications is required. Please provide the names and contact information of three references. Please submit as one .pdf file in the above order. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Prospective candidates should send their application to APS@seas.harvard.edu with the required information. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until positions are filled.