Postdoctoral Fellow - Computational Biology, Parkinson's Disease

23andMe has amassed an incredible data resource for genetics and epidemiology research. With more than 12 million genotyped individuals and 10 billion phenotypic data points, we offer a true playground for discovery. Our postdoctoral fellowship program provides a fully funded 2 year opportunity to analyze and publish findings from cutting-edge explorations of this unique database. In the past, our postdocs have published on topics as diverse as historical genomes, Parkinson’s disease, and race/ethnicity in genetic research. We offer dedicated mentorship, opportunities to present at scientific meetings, and a chance to explore a career in the industry while still engaging in academic research and building a publication track record. 

23andMe is seeking a postdoctoral candidate with experience in bioinformatics to join 23andMe’s postdoctoral fellowship program. You will work within our Parkinson’s disease research group and interact with other members of the research team in utilizing genetic, microbiome, and phenotype data to contribute to the advancement of Parkinson’s disease research, with a focus on the role of the microbiome in Parkinson’s disease development and progression.  

Research has shown that the gut brain axis may have a role in the development of PD. To contribute to this research, 23andMe and The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) launched a study aimed at using validated methods to investigate the differences in the gut and oral microbiomes of individuals with PD compared to controls. In addition, the study is designed to investigate the potential role of the microbiome in differences between individuals with PD. The recruitment and data collection portion of the study is complete and we are looking for a motivated postdoctoral candidate to execute the analysis phase of the project.  In addition to this main effort, there may be other opportunities with the 23andMe research team to contribute to Parkinson’s disease research.

With the world’s largest database of more than ten million genotyped customers, 23andMe is at the forefront of using human genetics to advance biomedical research and transform healthcare. Join our growing research team in translating genetic discoveries into insights into molecular biology of human traits and diseases.

Who We Are

Since 2006, 23andMe’s mission has been to help people access, understand, and benefit from the human genome. We are a group of passionate individuals pushing the boundaries of what’s possible to help turn genetic insight into better health and personal understanding.

What You'll Do

• Develop analysis plan and execute analyses in collaboration with 23andMe research group and an external microbiome mentor
• Perform data analysis in support of key research questions, including  reproducing  findings from previous publications as well as identifying possible  novel associations between the gut and/or oral microbiome composition and Parkinson’s disease 
• Communicate and publish results of the work
• Interact with other 23andMe scientists through your project, team meetings and seminars, and learn about the wide variety of research at 23andMe
• Commit to a two-year term

What You’ll Bring

• PhD in Genetics, Computational Biology, Data Analytics, Microbiology or related field  
• Demonstrated fluency with tools and methods for microbiome sequencing data analysis  
• Background in bioinformatics, biostatistics, and algorithm development  

Strongly Preferred

• Proficiency in Python and R
• Familiarity with cloud computing services  
• Experience in the development of microbiome sequencing QC processes  
• Excellent communication skills are essential as you will be expected to publish and present the results of your work   

About Us

23andMe, headquartered in Sunnyvale, CA, is a leading consumer genetics and research company. Founded in 2006, the company’s mission is to help people access, understand, and benefit from the human genome. 23andMe has pioneered direct access to genetic information as the only company with multiple FDA authorizations for genetic health risk reports. The company has created the world’s largest crowdsourced platform for genetic research, with 80 percent of its customers electing to participate. The platform also powers the 23andMe Therapeutics group, currently pursuing drug discovery programs rooted in human genetics across a spectrum of disease areas, including oncology, respiratory, and cardiovascular diseases, in addition to other therapeutic areas. More information is available at www.23andMe.com.

At 23andMe, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.  If you are unable to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at accommodations-ext@23andme.com. 23andMe will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities to the extent required by applicable law.

Please note: 23andMe does not accept agency resumes and we are not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes. Thank you.