The Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) in Human Genetics

 Call for Proposals for Research Projects and Pilot Projects

 The Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) in Human Genetics constitutes a unique partnership between the Clemson University Center for Human Genetics and the Greenwood Genetic Center (scienceweb.clemson.edu/cobre). Research in the COBRE in Human Genetics focuses on understanding the genetic, genomic, and epigenetic mechanisms by which molecular genetic variation affects rare and common diseases. Investigators of the COBRE in Human Genetics tackle several of the outstanding challenges facing modern human genetics, using experimental analyses in model organisms and human cell lines as well as statistical and computational data analyses.

The COBRE in Human Genetics is calling for proposals for four Pilot Projects for up to two years each, with annual direct costs of $75,000. Pilot Projects will be from 02/01/2024-01/31/2026.

The COBRE in Human Genetics is calling for proposals for two Research Projects for up to two years each, with annual direct costs of $175,000. Research Projects will be from 02/01/2024-01/31/2026, with the possibility of renewal for a further 2 years, pending Phase II renewal funding for the COBRE in Human Genetics.

Eligibility: Tenure-track investigators from any Clemson University Department (or individuals with an equivalent position at the Greenwood Genetic Center) with research interests in human genetics who have not been a PI on an NIH R01 or equivalent grant are eligible. Previous COBRE in Human Genetics Pilot Projects Leaders who have not been a PI on an NIH R01, R35 or equivalent grant are also eligible. Applicants with R21 or K award funding are also eligible.

Format: Applications should be formatted according to the most recent NIH SF424 Application Guide. The applications will consist of the NIH SF424 Face Page, Project Summary (Page 2), Specific Aims (1 page), Research Strategy (6 pages), References, NIH Biosketch, Statement of Current and Pending Support, Detailed Budget and Budget Justification. Proposals should note how the project fits thematically into the COBRE in Human Genetics and how completion of the proposed pilot or research project will position the applicant for a successful NIH R01, R35 or equivalent grant application.

Review of applications: Proposals will be reviewed by members of the External Advisory Committee of the COBRE in Human Genetics and the COBRE leadership, using the NIH R01 reviewer template and scoring system. Proposals will be ranked based on the track record of the faculty member, the fit of the proposed research with the theme of the COBRE in Human Genetics, utilization of core facilities, innovation and quality of the proposed research, and the likelihood of the proposed project to be competitive for R01, R35 or equivalent funding when completed. Proposals that meet these criteria, extend the scientific scope of the COBRE in Human Genetics, and are interdisciplinary will be preferred. Accepted proposals must fully comply with all applicable federal policies, rules, and guidelines for research involving human subjects, vertebrate animals, and/or biohazards before an account is established. Research and Pilot Project Leaders will be required to participate in all professional development activities sponsored by the COBRE in Human Genetics.

Review of progress: Progress reports will be reviewed annually by the External Advisory Committee of the COBRE in Human Genetics and the COBRE leadership.

Application deadline: Applications must be submitted as a single pdf to Dr. Trudy Mackay (tmackay@clemson.edu) by 5:00 pm EST on October 31, 2023.

Start date: Results from the reviews of applications will be announced in December 2023 with a start date of February 1, 2024.

For further information please contact Drs. Trudy Mackay (tmackay@clemson.edu), Robert Anholt (ranholt@clemson.edu), or Richard Steet (rsteet@ggc.org).

Clemson University invites applications for two tenure-track Assistant Professors as part of a Cluster Hire at the Center for Human Genetics, with an expected start date of August 2022. Clemson University offers competitive salaries, benefits and start-up funds.

The successful applicants will have accomplished research records at the forefront of human computational genetics/genomics. Areas of special interest include, but are not limited to, theoretical population genetics, statistical genetics, systems genetics, comparative evolutionary genomics of disease, and genomic data analysis. However, all computational areas with the potential to significantly advance the field of human genetics will be considered.

The mission of the Center for Human Genetics (https://scienceweb.clemson.edu/chg/) is to understand the principles and mechanisms by which genetic and environmental factors affect human health and disease. The Center for Human Genetics provides a vibrant interactive research environment with state-of-the-art genomic and computational resources. The successful applicants will be part of a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment that includes the research, diagnostic and clinical geneticists at the Greenwood Genetic Center, the genetics, genomics, statistics and bioinformatics faculty at Clemson University, the USC School of Medicine in Greenville and the Prisma Health System. The Center of Human Genetics currently consists of 16 faculty and their lab groups in four Departments, located on Clemson main campus and in Greenwood, South Carolina on the Greenwood Genetic Center Partnership Campus. These positions will be located on the Clemson main campus. The home department will be determined by the fit of the applicant’s research interests with the mission of the Department of Biological Sciences (www.clemson.edu/science/departments/biosci/index.html), the Department of Genetics and Biochemistry (www.clemson.edu/science/departments/genetics-biochemistry/index.html), or the School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences (www.clemson.edu/science/departments/mathematical-sciences/index.html).

Clemson University is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community of faculty scholars dedicated to working and teaching in a multi-cultural environment (http://www.clemson.edu/inclusion/). We encourage applications from women, minorities and individuals with a commitment to mentoring colleagues and students from demographic groups underrepresented in the sciences. We are also supportive of the needs of dual-career couples.

Successful candidates must hold a doctoral degree and have postdoctoral experience. Competitive candidates will demonstrate an ability to develop a vigorous and independent, externally funded and nationally recognized research program; demonstrate teaching excellence and a commitment to diversity inclusion; and participate in relevant undergraduate and graduate education programs.

Applicants should submit the following items via Interfolio at  http://apply.interfolio.com/99433: (1) cover letter; (2) Curriculum Vitae; (3) statement of research interests including future plans; (4) statement of teaching interests and experience; (5) statement describing past experience and/or future plans to promote diversity and inclusion; and (6) up to three reprints in one PDF. Applicants should also arrange, through Interfolio, the submission of three confidential letters of recommendation on their behalf.

Inquiries should be directed to Dr. Trudy Mackay (tmackay@clemson.edu).

For full consideration, applications should be submitted by January 15, 2022. Review will continue until the position is filled.

Clemson University is an AA/EEO employer and does not discriminate against any person or group on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, pregnancy, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or genetic information. Clemson University is building a culturally diverse faculty and staff committed to working in a multicultural environment.

The Clemson University Center for Human Genetics and the Greenwood Genetic Center have been awarded a five year Phase I COBRE in Human Genetics grant to understand the genetic, genomic, and epigenetic mechanisms by which molecular genetic variation affects transcriptional and other molecular networks in health and disease. Several positions are available immediately.

• Project 3 (Transposable Elements, Genome Architecture and Gene Regulation) is seeking a Computational Scientist. Contact Dr. Miriam Konkel (mkonkel@clemson.edu) for details.
• Project 4 (Genomic Prediction of Human Disease) is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow. Contact Dr. Fabio Morgante (fabiom@clemson.edu) for details.

Doctoral Degrees offered:

Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Environmental Toxicology, Genetics, and Mathematical and Statistical Sciences

Deadline for Doctoral Applications:

Genetics and Biochemistry: December 15th for fall admission and September 1st for spring admission
Mathematical and Statistical Sciences: January 15th for fall admission and October 1st for spring admission
Biological Sciences and Environmental Toxicology: December 10th for fall or spring admission

Active Research Programs through the CHG include**:

• Investigating the roles of gene regulation, post-translational modification and structural variation in common and rare diseases
• Developing more powerful models for genotype-phenotype prediction
• Utilizing systems genetics approaches in cellular and animal models to more fully understand the genome-wide impact of genetic variants on molecular networks in health and disease in human populations

**If a student chooses to pursue a degree while at the Center for Human Genetics, he or she will earn a degree in the department of the mentoring professor.

Prospective graduate students of the College of Science can visit the website for more detailed information about each program.

General Inquiries:

College of Science
118 Long Hall
Clemson, SC 29634
science@clemson.edu
(864) 656-3015