Research Associate

The University of Texas at Dallas; Richardson (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

BCBS PPO Medical Insurance Options

TRS Retirement Plan

Paid time off

Job summary

The University of Texas at Dallas is offering a postdoctoral position in the Chen Cao laboratory within the Department of Bioengineering. The role focuses on computational analysis of high-dimensional single-cell and spatial omics data to understand cancer microenvironment biology and developmental genomics.

The successful candidate will develop questions from data, interpret results critically, and drive analyses from raw data to publication, with strong emphasis on R/Python workflows and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in bioinformatics, computational biology, genomics, systems biology, quantitative biology, bioengineering, or related discipline.
• Strong proficiency in R and/or Python; experience analyzing single-cell RNA-seq data required.
• Experience with single-cell ATAC-seq, multi-omics, spatial transcriptomics, imaging-based spatial assays, or allele-resolved genomics is highly desirable.
• Experience with Linux/HPC environments and reproducible workflows.
• Ability to translate computational results into biological interpretations and drive a research project toward publication.

Responsibilities

• Lead computational analysis of single-cell RNA-seq, single-cell ATAC-seq, multi-omic and spatial transcriptomic/imaging datasets.
• Develop, benchmark and maintain reproducible analysis workflows in R and/or Python for quality control, normalization, integration, clustering, annotation, differential analysis and visualization.
• Perform advanced analyses such as cell-state analysis, trajectory or lineage analysis, gene regulatory network inference, cell-cell communication analysis, spatial neighborhood analysis, and multimodal integration.
• Collaborate with experimental researchers to validate findings and translate computational results into biological hypotheses.
• Prepare publication-quality figures and contribute to manuscript preparation and proposal development.

Skills

R

Python

Education

Ph.D. in related field

Tools

Linux

HPC environments

Job description

A postdoctoral position in computational single-cell and spatial omics is immediately available in the laboratory of Chen Cao in the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Texas at Dallas. The research associate will lead analysis of high-dimensional single-cell and spatial datasets across two major research directions: cancer microenvironment biology and developmental/evolutionary genomics.

Projects include tumor cell-state transitions, tumor-immune-stromal interactions, spatial organization of tissues, developmental lineage dynamics, gene regulatory networks, and regulatory evolution. Datasets may include single-cell RNA -seq, single-cell ATAC -seq, multi-omics, and spatial transcriptomic or imaging-based data. The successful candidate will be expected not only to execute established pipelines, but also to develop biological questions from the data, interpret results critically, and drive analyses from raw data to publication.

Minimum Education and Experience

Ph.D in a related field.

Candidates who have successfully completed all requirements for the Ph.D. but whose degree has not yet been formally conferred may be eligible to begin employment provided they submit an official letter from the Registrar or Graduate School of the degree-granting institution certifying that all doctoral requirements have been satisfied and specifying the expected date of conferral. Appointment and continued employment are contingent upon formal conferral of the Ph.D.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in bioinformatics, computational biology, genomics, systems biology, quantitative biology, bioengineering, or a related discipline.
• Strong proficiency in R and/or Python and demonstrated experience analyzing single-cell RNA -seq data are required.
• Experience with single-cell ATAC -seq, multi-omics, spatial transcriptomics, imaging-based spatial assays, or allele-resolved genomics is highly desirable.
• Experience with Linux/ HPC environments, reproducible workflows, statistical analysis and visualization of large sequencing datasets is preferred.
• Candidates should demonstrate the ability to translate computational results into biological interpretations, formulate new hypotheses, prioritize informative analyses, and drive a research project toward publication.

Other Qualifications

To the extent this position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired and to continue to be employed in the position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead computational analysis of single-cell RNA -seq, single-cell ATAC -seq, multi-omic and spatial transcriptomic/imaging datasets.
• Develop, benchmark and maintain reproducible analysis workflows in R and/or Python for quality control, normalization, integration, clustering, annotation, differential analysis and visualization.
• Perform advanced analyses as appropriate, including cell-state analysis, trajectory or lineage analysis, gene regulatory network inference, cell-cell communication analysis, spatial neighborhood analysis, allele-resolved analysis and multimodal integration.
• Integrate single-cell and spatial results with biological knowledge to generate testable hypotheses and work closely with experimental researchers on validation strategies.
• Perform rigorous statistical analysis, evaluate technical and biological sources of variation, and produce publication-quality figures and documented computational workflows.
• Organize analysis outputs and data products to support reproducibility, manuscript preparation and public data deposition.
• Write manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication, present research at national/international conferences, and contribute to proposal preparation.
• Work with graduate and undergraduate students and collaborate with experimental biologists, engineers, imaging scientists and computational researchers.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Physical Activities

Working Conditions

Additional Information

What We Can Offer

UT Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer with an employee-friendly and supportive work environment. Our comprehensive compensation and benefits package that is effective as of your hire date includes:

• BCBS PPO Medical Insurance Options – including 100% paid employee medical coverage for full-time employees
• AD&D Insurance
• Dental & Vision Plan Options
• Long and short-term disability
• TRS Retirement Plan
• Fertility Benefits
• Paid time off

All UT Dallas employees have access to various professional development opportunities, including a membership to Academic Impressions, LinkedIn Learning, and UT Dallas Bright Leaders Program.

About Us

UT Dallas is a top public research university located in one of the nation’s fastest-growing metropolitan regions. Our seven schools offer more than 140 undergraduate and graduate programs, plus professional certificates and fast-track programs. Our student body is 31,000 strong, reflecting students from over 100 countries and a multiplicity of identities and experiences. UT Dallas is committed to graduating well-rounded members of the global community whose education has prepared them for rewarding lives and productive careers in a constantly changing world.

Rich with visual and performing arts venues, museum districts, professional and semi-professional athletics teams, botanical gardens, accessible trails and so much more, the Dallas-Fort Worth ( DFW ) metroplex has something for everyone to explore. UT Dallas partners with regional higher education institutions and school districts and with the Richardson Innovation Quarter (Richardson IQ), a major hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and educational activities.

Let us be your employer of choice! # WHOOSH

Special Instructions Summary

1) All employees serve as a representative of the University and are expected to display respect, civility, professional courtesy, consideration of others and discretion in all interactions with members of the UT Dallas community and the general public.

2) The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. UT Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its services, programs, activities, employment, and education, including in admission and enrollment. The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the employment application and interview process, contact the ADA Coordinator. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Title IX Coordinator.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• Please indicate the field of your Ph.D.
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Other related field
• Do you have prior research lab experience?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Documents

• Cover Letter/Letter of Application
• Curriculum Vitae
• Research Statement

Optional Documents

• Resume
• Veteran Employment Preference - Form DD-214

Human Resources,
800 West Campbell Road, AD3.418
Richardson,
TX 75080-3021