Postdoctoral Research Associate, Cellular and Molecular Medicine

UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full Benefits

Job summary

The University of Arizona invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in vascular genomics and systems genetics. Join a collaborative lab exploring how genetic variation shapes endothelial cell biology and CAD risk.

You'll gain hands-on training in experimental and computational methods, including single-cell genomics, chromatin profiling, QTL mapping, and biobank data integration, with NIH-funded projects and potential for independent directions.

Qualifications

• PhD conferred prior to start date.
• At least one first-author publication in genetics/genomics or vascular/cell biology.
• Experience with next-generation sequencing data analysis (RNA-seq or scRNA-seq).
• Proficiency in scripting/programming (R, Python, or Bash).
• Experience with primary mammalian cell culture in a BSL-2 setting.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments using primary human endothelial cells.
• Prepare and QC sequencing libraries (bulk RNA-seq, small RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, scRNA-seq).
• Perform genome-scale mapping and genetic colocalization with GWAS data.
• Analyze -seq datasets with standard and custom pipelines.
• Contribute to grant writing, manuscript preparation, and national presentations.
• Mentor and support trainees and lab members.

Skills

Endothelial biology

Genomics

Bioinformatics

RNA-seq pipelines

Scripting (R/Python)

Education

PhD in genetics/genomics/related field

First-author publication

Tools

RNA-seq pipelines

Single-cell sequencing

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Cellular and Molecular Medicine

Posting Number req27032

Department Cellular & Molecular Medicine

Department Website Link https://cmm.arizona.edu/

Location Tucson Campus

Address 1501 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson, AZ 85719 USA

Position Highlights

The Romanoski Laboratory at the University of Arizona invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in vascular genomics and systems genetics. Our research program uses integrative genomics approaches to define the molecular mechanisms by which genetic variation shapes endothelial cell biology and confers risk for coronary artery disease (CAD) and microvascular dysfunction. The successful candidate will join a collaborative, scientifically rigorous environment at the intersection of vascular cell biology, chromatin biology, and human genetics.

This position offers hands-on training in state-of-the-art experimental and computational methods, including single-cell genomics, chromatin profiling, quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping, and integration with large-scale biobank resources. The postdoc will contribute to active NIH-funded projects focused on shear stress-responsive RNAs and endothelial genetic mediators of microvascular dysfunction, with opportunities to develop independent research directions.

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work‑life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocation services, please .

Duties & Responsibilities

The laboratory combines human endothelial cell culture and perturbation systems with genomic discovery tools to dissect how genetic variation at CAD-associated loci operates through the vessel wall.

Activeresearch areas include:

• QuantitativeTrait Locus (QTL) mapping in human endothelial cell cohorts exposed to variousin vitro environments.
• Geneticand heterogeneity-based analysis of endothelial cell molecular traitsusing single-cell RNA sequencing and chromatin accessibility profiling.
• Colocalization and Mendelian Randomization between genetic signals in endothelial cells and GWAS signals for vascular phenotypes.
• Integration with population-scale biobanks including UK Biobank, All of Us, and others.
• Functional characterization of candidate effector genes using laboratory assays for endothelial functions.

Primary Job Duties Include:

• Design and execute experiments using primary human endothelial cells.
• Prepare and QC sequencing libraries including bulk RNA‑seq, small RNA‑seq, ATAC‑seq, and single-cell libraries.
• Perform genome-scale mapping and genetic colocalization with GWAS summary statistics.
• Analyze *-seq datasets using standard and custom bioinformatics pipelines.
• Contribute to grant writing, manuscript preparation, and presentations at national conferences.
• Mentor and support trainees and other members of the laboratory.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Ability operating specialized equipment in a laboratory setting.
• Proficiencyin sequencing library preparation, including bulk RNA‑seq, small RNA‑seq,ATAC‑seq, and single‑cell sequencing protocols.
• Knowledge of genetic colocalization methods using GWAS and molecular QTL summary statistics.
• Workingknowledge of large-scale biobank resources, particularly the All of USResearchProgram and phenome‑wide association study (PheWAS) frameworks.
• Biologicalknowledge of vascular cell types, endothelial function, and the pathobiology ofatherosclerosis.

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctoraldegree (Ph.D.) in human genetics, genomics, molecular biology, cellbiology, or a closely related field, conferred prior to the start date.
• Atleast one first-author publication in a peer-reviewed journal in genetics,genomics, or vascular/cell biology.
• Demonstratedexperience with next-generation sequencing data analysis, includingRNA‑seq or single-cell RNA‑seq.
• Proficiencyin at least one scripting or programming language used in genomics (R,Python, or Bash/Unix).
• Experience with primary mammalian cell culturein a BSL-2 laboratory setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• The ideal candidate will have a combination of experimental and computational expertise that spans the full arc from bench to genome‑scale analysis.

The following qualifications are strongly preferred:

• Experience culturing primary human endothelial cells.
• Experience with CRISPR-based functional assays or other molecular perturbation approaches in human cell lines.
• Single-cell genomics analysis experience.
• VCF management, genotype processing, and whole-genome sequencing data handling.
• Experience with QTL mapping and interpretation of results.
• Strong publication record in genetics or vascular biology, with contributions to high-impact journals.
• Experience presenting original research at national scientific conferences.
• History of mentoring junior researchers (undergraduate or graduate students) in laboratory or computational settings.

FLSA

Exempt

Full Time/Part Time Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week 40

Job FTE 1

Work Calendar Fiscal

Job Category Research

Benefits Eligible Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay NIH salary guidelines, Depends on Experience

Compensation Type salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies 1

Contact Information for Candidates Dr Casey Romanoski,[e-mail]

Open Date 9/11/2026

Open Until Filled Yes

Documents Needed to Apply Curriculum Vitae (CV), Cover Letter, and One Additional Document

Special Instructions to Applicant

• A cover letter describing your research background, relevant experience, and motivation for joining the laboratory. (2 pages maximum)
• A current curriculum vitae including a full publication list.
• Contact information for three professional references.

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