Post-Doc Trainee (Raffield Lab)

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill; Elkins Hills (NC); On-site; USD 63,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and vision coverage

Paid leave

Professional development

Job summary

The Raffield lab at UNC-Chapel Hill's Department of Genetics is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Trainee with a background in Human Genetics, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, or a related field to perform large-scale genomic and multi-omic analyses across populations focused on cardiometabolic disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

The position offers opportunities to lead projects, engage in cross-cohort analyses within TOPMed, work on QTLs, and pursue independent funding, with mentoring, NIH-aligned

Qualifications

• PhD in Genetics, Epidemiology, Biostatistics/Statistics, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, or a related field.
• Strong scientific communication skills and enthusiasm for team science and multicenter collaborations.
• Experience analyzing large genomic datasets and/or epidemiological analyses in cohort/biobank studies; HPC or cloud computing is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead multiple projects and develop a multi-year plan to maximize productivity and pursuit of independent funding.
• Contribute to cross-cohort omics analyses within TOPMed and related platforms.
• Collaborate with researchers across institutions and support career development and mentoring.

Skills

Scientific communication

Team collaboration

Multicenter collaboration

Education

PhD

Job description

Job Details

• Salary: $63,480 - $69,180 dependent on experience
• Position Title: Post-Doc Trainee (Raffield Lab)
• Contract type: Full-Time Temporary
• Hours per week: 40
• Location: Chapel Hill, NC, North Carolina, US
• Estimated Duration of Appointment: 12 months

Position Summary

The Raffield lab in the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) Department of Genetics is seeking a candidate for Postdoctoral Research Trainee with a background in Human Genetics, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, or a related field. The individual will be responsible for large‑scale genomic and multi‑omic analyses of traits related to cardiometabolic disease and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias across populations.

Our lab has expertise in analysis of large‑scale genomic and multi‑omic data, including genome‑wide association studies and analysis of transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic data. The successful candidate will join strong existing collaborative projects of scientists at multiple institutions across the US and globally. The UNC Department of Genetics ranked first in NIH funding among Genetics departments in 2025 and provides a collegial, supportive mentoring environment. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and will be equal to or exceed NIH postdoctoral stipends. Medical insurance and benefits will be in accordance with UNC standard postdoctoral benefits (https://research.unc.edu/postdocs/). In addition to outstanding research training, postdoctoral scholars are encouraged to participate in professional development opportunities offered through BioSTAR and the UNC Office of Postdoctoral Affairs. These programs support leadership development, scientific communication, grant writing, networking, and career exploration.

Postdoctoral trainees will have the opportunity to lead multiple projects and would work with Dr. Raffield to create a multi‑year plan to maximize scientific productivity, pursue independent grant funding, and progress toward an independent career. Potential projects include:

• Leadership in cross‑cohort 'omics analyses in NHLBI's Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) Initiative.
• Analysis of bulk and single cell gene expression QTLs, metabolomics QTLs, and protein QTLs (across multiple platforms) in blood/plasma across populations, including local ancestry differentiated QTLs and variance QTLs, and subsequent colocalization with known cardiometabolic, blood, and dementia related loci.
• Genetic and epidemiological analysis of inflammation and thrombosis related biomarkers for cardiometabolic disease and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

PhD in Genetics, Epidemiology, Biostatistics/Statistics, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, or a related field

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Individual with strong scientific communication skills who is highly motivated by team science and is enthusiastic about pursuing multicenter collaborative projects.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

The candidate should have experience analyzing large genomic datasets and/or experience with epidemiological analysis in cohort and biobank studies, particularly for high throughput 'omics datasets (metabolomics, proteomics, etc). Experience working with large datasets on high performance computing clusters or cloud computing environments is a plus.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

This position is funded by a sponsored postdoctoral training program, and all applicants must be either a US citizen, non-citizen national or permanent resident with evidence of superior academic performance, previous research or clinical experience and publications.

Benefits

UNC-Chapel Hill offers postdocs comprehensive medical and vision coverage, paid leave, and benefits and services that support professional development and a healthy work/life balance.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Contact Information

Department Contact: Lisa Thompson, HR Consultant – [e-mail]

Postdoctoral Affairs Contact: The University’s Office of Postdoctoral Affairs – [phone] or [e-mail]

Quick Link

https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/328073