Group Head- SKAN Bioinformatics Overview: SKAN is a Bengaluru-based not-for-profit medical research trust / research organisation that leverages transformational technologies to develop new therapies for ageing and neurological ailments, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes remission and lifestyle related disorders. SKAN applies its expertise in gut microbiome, genomics, stem cells, molecular biology, and alternate therapies to uncover kinder and gentler treatment protocols for ailments. Bioinformatics at SKAN vigorously pursues artificial intelligence, machine learning and other advanced technologies to predict, pre-empt, diagnose, treat, and facilitate remission of medical disorders. To strengthen our in-house data science capabilities and enable integrative analysis across multi-omics and clinical datasets, we are looking for a Group Head Bioinformatics . This role will be pivotal in driving data-led research insights, developing advanced computational pipelines, and supporting cross-functional scientific teams including partner teams. Job requirements Lead a dynamic, cross-disciplinary team of bioinformaticians. Shape and execute the bioinformatics vision in alignment with SKAN’s mission to drive impactful, translational research in areas such as genomics, gut microbiome, stem cells, and precision medicine. Carry out cutting edge research and provide expert-level bioinformatics support across genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, imaging, and AI/ML-driven analytics. Collaborate with wet-lab and clinical teams to enable integrative, data-led research. Develop and maintain scalable computational pipelines and analytical tools for multi-omics and image data. Drive innovation through the application of advanced statistical, machine learning, and AI approaches to biological data analysis. Establish and manage a core bioinformatics facility. Oversee computational infrastructure including high-performance computing (HPC), cloud platforms, and data architecture to support ongoing research needs. Ensure adherence to data security, FAIR principles, and regulatory compliance. Efficiently manage budgets, resources, and software systems to support sustainable growth of the bioinformatics capability. Qualifications and experience: PhD degree in bioinformatics, computational biology, genomics or a related field with at least 10 years of postdoctoral experience or M.Tech. degree from a reputed institute with 15 years of relevant work experience Demonstrated expertise and hands-on experience in genomics and metagenomics data analysis, evidenced by a strong track record of high-impact publications in reputed scientific journals Deep understanding of statistical and machine learning methods for biological data analysis and multi-omics integration Proven experience in developing algorithm-based solutions with potential for intellectual property generation, including copyrights and patents.
Position: Research Associate (RA) for Gene Editing Project Overview: Human stem cell differentiation technology enables the generation of any cell or tissue in the body, leveraging human-origin cells for their easy accessibility and scalability. Recent advances in gene editing, particularly CRISPR-Cas technology, are revolutionizing the generation of human pluripotent stem cell-based experimental platforms to model "disease in a dish." In this role, you will advance research on neurological diseases by utilizing CRISPR/Cas technology to introduce disease-causing mutations in human pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines. Additionally, you will develop gene-targeting strategies for direct pluripotent stem cell differentiation into enriched cultures of neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes, using inducible gene expression systems (optogenetic and chemical methods) (Sheta etal. ,2023;Teixeira etal. ,2023). Furthermore, you will be involved in generating isogenic (gene-corrected controls) pluripotent stem cell lines against patient pluripotent stem cell lines (Banerjee etal. ,2023). The candidate will play an integral role in projects related to development, optimization of new gene editing tools. Collectively, candidates should have an expertise and interest in CRISPR-Cas technology for generating cellular models recapitulating neurological diseases. Essential Requirements: Educational Background: MSc/PhD in a relevant field, with around 3-5 years of experience in gene editing and molecular biology Genome Editing Expertise: Demonstrated proficiency in creating knock-out/knock-in lines utilizing CRISPR/Cas technology. The ideal candidate should have a publication record that showcases their expertise in gene editing. In-depth knowledge of the latest advancements in gene editing technologies is essential for this role. Technical Proficiency: Skilled in using genome browsers, DNA analysis software, and CRISPR/Cas related on/off target specificity analysis, primer design, designing guides, molecular cloning Cellular Characterization Techniques: Proficient in immunofluorescence staining, FACS analysis, and PCR Team Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to contribute effectively to a team with a collaborative and flexible approach Project Management: Strong independent work ethic with excellent project planning, time-keeping, organizational, and online record-keeping skills in electronic lab-books Health and Safety: Understanding of health and safety requirements related to genetic engineering of cell lines Professional Development: Commitment to continued professional development. Communication Skills: Excellent oral and written communication skills, capable of conveying complex information through power point presentation Interpersonal Skills: Strong interpersonal skills to influence and deliver results Desired additional qualifications: iPSC Experience: Experience in gene-editing of pluripotent stem cells or mammalian cell lines to generate stable lines Neurobiology basics: Understanding of the functions of brain cells and their relevance to neurological diseases Knowledge on Sequencing: Familiarity with Sanger sequencing. Viral Vector Generation: Experience in generating viral vectors for labelling cells, regulating gene expression, and manipulating cell physiology CRISPR screening Relevant references Banerjee, P. et al. (2023) Cell-autonomous immune dysfunction driven by disrupted autophagy in C9orf72-ALS iPSC-derived microglia contributes to neurodegeneration., Science Advances , 9(16), p. eabq0651. doi:10.1126/sciadv.abq0651. Sheta, R. et al. (2023) Optimized protocol for the generation of functional human induced-pluripotent-stem-cell-derived dopaminergic neurons.,” STAR Protocols , 4(3), p. 102486. doi:10.1016/j.xpro.2023.102486. Teixeira, M. et al. (2023) “Optogenetic-mediated induction and monitoring of -synuclein aggregation in cellular models of Parkinson’s disease.,” STAR Protocols, 4(4), p. 102738. doi:10.1016/j.xpro.2023.102738.
Job Title: Field Data Collector Qualifications and Skills Required: We are looking for field data collectors with the following: A bachelors or master’s degree in any discipline. Preference for candidates with degrees in social work, psychology, public health, sociology, anthropology, or related fields. Proficiency in Kannada and conversational English with strong interpersonal skills is mandatory. Competence in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Familiarity with descriptive and numerical data collection methods , including interviewing techniques. Freshers are encouraged to apply. Candidates residing in Bengaluru are preferred. Job Responsibilities: The selected candidate will undergo orientation training to perform the following tasks: Collect data from participants recruited in longitudinal studies (baseline and follow-up). Use approved data collection tools (electronic or paper-based) while maintaining data confidentiality and ensuring the privacy of respondents . Provide daily updates on the progress of data collection activities and communicate any changes to the collection plan. Liaise with key community members, stakeholders, frontline health workers, and government health functionaries . Visit study participants' households to collect data as part of baseline and follow-ups. Perform simple anthropometric measurements , such as: Blood pressure Height Weight Waist circumference Undertake any other tasks assigned by the supervisor. Requirements for Success in This Role: Willingness to travel extensively and visit communities. Ability to engage and interact effectively with communities and government health functionaries.