Postdoc Research Associate, Genome Sciences

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive personalized training

Health benefits

Opportunities for independent research

Job summary

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join Dr. Chongzhi Zang's lab in Charlottesville. The role focuses on developing computational methods for high-throughput genomics and gene regulation research. Candidates should hold a Ph.D. in a quantitative science and possess strong programming skills in Python or R.

This 12-month benefit position is open until filled, with opportunities for research mentorship and skill development.

Qualifications

• Proficient in Python or C/C++ & R programming.
• Strong quantitative background or computational genomics experience.
• At least one peer-reviewed publication in English.

Responsibilities

• Develop computational methods for high-throughput genomics technologies.
• Integrate data science and experimental approaches to study gene regulation.
• Engage in independent and collaborative research.

Skills

Python

R programming

Statistical modeling

Machine learning

Computational genomics

Education

Ph.D. in Bioinformatics or related field

Job description

The Laboratory of Dr. Chongzhi Zang in the Department of Genome Sciences at the University of Virginia (UVA) is seeking to fill multiple Postdoctoral Research Associate positions in the broad field of bioinformatics and computational biology. The lab's research program focuses on developing computational methods for high-throughput genomics technologies and integrating data science and experimental approaches to study chromatin and gene regulation in mammalian cells and human disease systems. Current ongoing projects include: statistical modeling and advanced machine learning/AI method development for predicting transcriptional regulation from multi-omics data; computational method development for single-cell epigenomic sequencing and image-based spatial-omics data analysis; computational and experimental studies on chromatin regulation, transcriptional condensates, and liquid-liquid phase separation; and research on epigenetics and transcriptional regulation in human cancer and immune systems. Additional information on research directions and recent publications can be found on thelab's website.

The PI, Dr. Chongzhi Zang, is the inaugural Director of Computational Genomics at the UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center and a tenured Associate Professor in the Departments of Genome Sciences, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, and Biomedical Engineering at the UVA School of Medicine. Dr. Zang is an accomplished computational biologist who has made significant contributions to high-throughput sequencing bioinformatics, ChIP‑seq data analysis, epigenetics and transcriptional regulation.

Since starting his independent faculty position at UVA in 2016, his lab has been productive and well‑funded by NIH and other agencies. Dr. Zang is a dedicated mentor. Every postdoctoral scientist in the lab will receive comprehensive and personalized training in research and career development, and will have extensive opportunities for both independent and collaborative research. Based in the Department of Genome Sciences at UVA's School of Medicine, the lab has established close collaborations with multiple research groups across the country.

Minimum Qualifications:

A Ph.D. or equivalent degree in any quantitative science, including but not limited to Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a related field is required by the start date.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficient in Python (or C/C++) & R programming.
• Strong quantitative background (e.g., statistical modeling, machine learning, computational or theoretical physics, etc.) or computational genomics experience (e.g., high‑throughput sequencing data analysis, etc.).
• At least one peer‑reviewed publication written in English in the previous area of research (not necessarily related to biology) with submitted, accepted, or published status at the time of application.

This is a 12‑month appointment with the possibility of renewal contingent upon satisfactory performance and the availability of funding. Salary is commensurate with education and experience.

This is an Exempt level, benefited position. For more information on the benefits at UVA, visit hr.virginia.edu/benefits.

This position will sponsor applicants for work visa who meet the qualifications.

This position will remain open until filled. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment. A completed pre‑employment health screen is required for this position prior to employment.

To Apply:

Please apply through Careers at UVA, and search for R0066281.

Complete an application online with the following documents:

• CV
• Cover letter
• Contact information for 3 references.

Upload all materials into the resume submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF for submission. Applications that do not contain all required documents will not receive full consideration.

Internal applicants:

Search and apply for jobs on theUVA Internal Careers website.

For questions about the application process, please contact Jessica Russo, Academic Recruiter at [e-mail].

For more information about UVA and the Charlottesville community please see http://www.virginia.edu/life/charlottesville and https://embarkcva.com/.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non‑discrimination and equal opportunity employment.