In this issue:

Featured Jobs:

• Computational Cancer Research Scientist
• Director, Agri-food & Natural Resources
• Postdoctoral Associate

Closing Soon on the ISCB Career Center

Article: Conference Networking: Before, During, and After

Career Compass Featured Jobs

Computational Cancer Research Scientists

Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen
GarMiglio Lab
Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Job description: Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) is a Phoenix, Arizona-based non-profit organization which established itself as a leader in translational research and precision medicine. TGen’s mission is leveraging genomics and proteomics expertise and capabilities to deploy “multi-omic” solutions to accelerate the development of new medical diagnostics and innovative therapies for the prevention and treatment of human disease including cancer and neurological disorders. TGen is a part of City of Hope which is an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Through collaborations with COH clinicians and researchers we are eager to accelerate the speed with which research discoveries are utilized in a clinical setting.

The GarMiglio Lab led by Dr. Luciano Garofano (Assistant Professor) and Dr. Simona Migliozzi (Assistant Professor) at The Translational Genomics Research Institute (www.tgen.org, located in Phoenix) is an interdisciplinary research group aimed at understanding the molecular mechanisms of cancer progression, metastasis, and resistance to therapy in solid tumors with particular focus on adult and pediatric brain tumors, lung, breast, melanoma and brain metastasis. Our groups combine patient biospecimens, computational approaches and experimental models to dissect cancer heterogeneity, identify functional and clinically relevant tumor subtypes in order to extract targetable molecular nodes with the final aim of developing more effective therapies that improve the survival outcome of cancer patients. Ongoing projects include: i) dissecting glioma ecosystem during evolution, ii) role of neurons-cancer crosstalk in non-CNS tumor progression, iii) reconstructing the spatiotemporal proteomic mosaicism in pediatric brain tumors.

We are looking for talented researchers to develop computational pipelines and implement data analytical models to integrate multi-omics data (spatial single cell transcriptomics, single cell and bulk genomics, epigenetics and proteomics). Candidates with expertise in machine learning approaches and reconstruction of gene/protein regulatory networks with knowledge or strong interest in cancer biology are encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate will take a leadership role in ongoing projects as well as develop new research ideas. Specific duties will include, data analysis, interpretation of results, presentation of findings and preparation of peer reviewed manuscripts and grant proposals.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s orPhD (optional) in Engineering, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, or related field.

• Deep proficiency or strong interest in molecular cancer biology.

• Knowledge of, or experience with, basic techniques and methods required by the position.

• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

• Ability to manage time and multitask effectively.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least 1 year of research experience.

• Experience coding in bash, Python and/or R environments.

• Experience with Bioconductor packages.

• Confident operating high-performance cluster systems via schedulers such as SLURM or Torque/PBS

Director, Agri-food & Natural Resources
Genome Canada
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Job description: Helping Shape Canada’s Genomics Mission-Driven Impact

Genome Canada is seeking a Mission Director, Agri-food & Natural Resources to play a leadership role in shaping and stewarding mission-driven priorities that support a healthier, more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous Canada.

The Mission Director leads the coordination and advancement of these priorities across agriculture and food systems, natural resources, and related areas, in alignment with the organization’s mandate and strategic objectives.

This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of science, policy, partnerships, and strategy, helping align people, partners, and investments so the broader system delivers impact none of us could achieve alone.

Genome Canada’s Mission Directors translate Genome Canada’s priorities into clear missions that mobilize programs, partnerships, data, and investments across the Canadian genomics ecosystem. Mission Directors provide leadership through influence, aligning functions, Genome Centres, and external partners to support effective mission execution and impact.

Key Responsibilities

Mission Design, Strategy, and Stewardship

• Lead the design, evolution, and stewardship of a Genome Canada–led mission spanning across the agriculture, food, and natural resources portfolio, in partnership with internal teams, Genome Centres and governance bodies.

• Conduct horizon scanning and analysis to identify emerging trends, risks, and opportunities relevant to mission priorities.

• Provide insight and advice to inform mission focus, positioning, and investment decisions.

• Translate mission strategy into implementable programs and partnership approaches, working collaboratively with Program Delivery, Communications, Finance, Governance and other functions.

• Monitor mission progress and external developments, advising senior management and governance bodies.

Partnerships and Ecosystem Engagement

• Develop and steward strategic partnerships across academia, industry, government, Indigenous partners, Genome Centres, and international organizations.

• Lead stakeholder mapping and engagement planning to strengthen collaboration across this ecosystem.

• Provide analysis and briefing support to advance collaboration with federal, provincial and international partners.

• Work in close partnership with Indigenous partners and IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility) functions to ensure mission approaches align with reconciliation principles, inclusive innovation, and responsible research and innovation.

• Represent Genome Canada in relevant national and international forums.

Enterprise Coordination and Leadership

• Provide enterprise‑wide leadership within a matrix operating model, enabling alignment across missions, functions, and partners, and supporting effective sequencing and execution of priorities.

• Contribute to organizational planning and priority setting.

• Prepare briefings and materials for senior management, the Board, and external partners related to mission strategy and progress.

What You Bring

• Strategic and systems thinking with the ability to link mission, execution, and impact.

• Strong analytical and synthesis skills, with sound judgment in complex environments.

• Proven ability to build and sustain multi‑sector partnerships.

• Strong facilitation, influence, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience briefing senior leaders and Boards.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in life sciences, public policy, business, or a related field focused on strategy, innovation, systems leadership or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Minimum 10 years of progressive senior experience in strategy, partnerships, program development.

• Extensive experience in engaging partners and advancing collaboration across public, private, academic, and Indigenous sectors, with a strong track record of fostering collaboration and advancing shared priorities.

• Highly effective communicator with the ability to convey complex ideas with clarity and impact to diverse audiences.

• Ability to lead in a matrix structure and experience working in a federated model is an asset.

• Knowledge of Canada’s research and innovation ecosystem, including Genome Canada’s mandate and the role of Genome Centres.

• Experience working with Indigenous partners and/or applying IDEA or inclusive innovation frameworks is considered a strong asset.

• Fluency in English is required; French is a strong asset

Postdoctoral Associate
Duke University, Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (B&B)
Durham, North Caroline, USA
Job description: The Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics (B&B) at the Duke University School of Medicine engages in methodological and collaborative research, providing international and regional leadership in biostatistics, genomics, biomedical informatics, artificial intelligence and health data science. We are recruiting a creative, rigorous Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Dr. Wenpin Hou’s team to design and deploy new methods on large-scale datasets (e.g., NIH-funded and consortia resources). Dr. Wenpin Hou develops AI and statistical methods to decode gene regulatory programs from large-scale single-cell and spatial multiomics data. Her research aims to characterize developmental processes, uncover regulatory alterations in complex human diseases, and identify actionable targets for therapeutic intervention. Dr. Hou collaborate across Duke University, Columbia University, UC Santa Cruz, and Johns Hopkins to advance understanding of gene regulation, cellular mechanisms, and human health. Dr. Hou’s group has designated access to high-performance computing (H100 and H200 GPUs).

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and co-lead projects in AI for genomics (e.g., generative models, transformers, agentic workflows) and/or statistical learning (e.g., network & spatiotemporal modeling, functional/longitudinal data, time-series).

• Analyze single-cell/spatial multi-omics and epigenomic data in applications spanning development, cancer, neurodegeneration, and immunology.

• Publish in top venues, present at major conferences, and contribute to open-source software.

• Receive tailored mentorship in grant writing (e.g., NIH K99/R00), career planning, and leadership.

Minimum Qualifications: The candidate should hold a PhD (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Biostatistics/Statistics, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Mathematics, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field by the start date.

Qualifications

We welcome candidates grounded in one or more of the following:

• Generative AI/transformers, agentic AI, deep learning

• Computational genomics, network modeling, spatiotemporal/functional data analysis, time-series

• Strong programming in R and/or Python; best practices in reproducible research

• Excellent communication, independence, and collaboration skills

Closing Soon on the ISCB Career Center

These jobs will be leaving the Career Center this month:

• Lecturer in AI in Biology or Bioinformatics — University of Kent

• Senior Staff Scientist – AI & Machine Learning — University of Kentucky

• PhD Studentship in Artificial Intelligence for Structure-Based Virtual Screening — Imperial College London

• Bioinformatics and Computational Systems Biology — National Institutes of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)

• Research Assistant Position – AI-Powered Drug Discovery Using Stem Cell-Based High-Content Screening — Zhejiang University

• Postdoctoral Fellow Positions – Stem Cell Heterogeneity & AI-Driven Drug Discovery — Zhejiang University

• PhD studentship on pharmacogenomic repurposing of drugs for treatment of B-cell lymphoma — University of Plymouth

• Postdoctoral Research Scholar- Bioinformatics in Host-Microbiome Interactions — North Carolina State University

• Professor and Ira R. Cohen Chair in Computer Science and Cancer Research — University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Conference Networking: Before, During, and After

Conference season is here, and with it comes one of the most valuable parts of attending: networking. Whether you're heading to a major international conference like ISMB 2026 in Washington, DC this July, or a smaller regional event, the connections you make can open doors that a CV alone never could. The good news is that effective networking isn't about being the most outgoing person in the room. It's about being prepared, being genuine, and following through.

Before You Go

A little preparation goes a long way toward making a conference feel like an opportunity instead of an overwhelming experience. Before you arrive, take some time to look through the speaker lineup and schedule to identify researchers whose work genuinely interests you. Having a shortlist of two or three people you'd like to connect with gives you a focused, achievable goal and takes the pressure off feeling like you need to meet everyone.

It's also worth having your research elevator pitch ready to go. At some point during the conference, someone is going to ask what you work on, and you want a clear, natural answer that doesn't require a ten-minute preamble. A good elevator pitch is two or three sentences and outlines:

• what you study

• why it matters

• what you're currently working on

If you’re stuck on where to start, the graduate school at the University of Notre Dame has shared this PDF, and there’s a helpful article here about constructing your research elevator pitch.

During the Conference

Walking into a large international conference can feel overwhelming. The good news is that you don't need to work the entire room to make meaningful connections. A few genuine conversations will always serve you best.

One of the easiest ways to start a conversation is to find something you have in common. If you’re at a loss, let the conference do the work for you! A talk you both just attended, a poster you’re both looking at, or even the lunch line are all natural jumping-off points.

If the idea of approaching strangers still feels daunting, look for smaller groups or one-on-one moments. Quieter settings—like coffee breaks, or the few minutes before a session starts—often lead to more meaningful exchanges anyway.

When you do get into a conversation, be fully engaged! Listen to what the other person is saying and ask thoughtful follow-up questions; this signals genuine interest and makes the interaction memorable.

Finally, give yourself permission to take breaks. If you’re used to sitting at a computer in a quiet lab or office, being “on” during the conference day can be tiring. Stepping away for a few minutes to recharge when you need to means you can show up more authentically when you return.

After the Conference

The conversation doesn't have to end when the conference does, but it won't continue on its own either. If you've met someone you'd genuinely like to stay connected with, don't leave it to chance. Before you part ways, take the opportunity to exchange contact details and confirm how they'd prefer to stay in touch.

When you're back at your desk, take a few minutes to follow through. A short, friendly message to say it was great to meet them goes a long way. If you want to make it more memorable, add a personal touch: reference something specific you talked about, or share a paper, tool, or resource that connects back to your conversation. That kind of follow-up signals genuine interest and makes it much easier to keep the relationship going naturally over time.

Final Thoughts

Conferences are one of the few opportunities you'll have to connect with researchers outside of your institution, get real-time feedback from people across different areas of the field, and build relationships that broaden your network. Whether it’s a potential collaborator, a future mentor, or simply a peer who gets what you're working on, the connections you make can be just as valuable as any conference session you'll attend!

Now that you're armed with the tools to make the most of a conference, you’re ready to put it all into action at ISMB 2026! You can register here!

Want Your Job Featured in the Next Career Compass?

You can get your job featured in the Career Compass newsletter by selecting this option when you post a new job!

To do so, follow these steps:

1. Sign in to the ISCB Career Center.

2. From your Profile page or My Job Posts page, click the blue “Post a Job” button.

3. On the next page, select option 2 that mentions the monthly marketing with Career Compass.

4. Complete the required payment for the Career Compass upgrade.

5. Fill out your job post details.

6. Click “Submit” to post your job on the ISCB Career Center.

7. Keep an eye out for the next Career Compass newsletter to see your job there, too!