Research Associate, Department of Genome Sciences

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; Full time

Job summary

A university in Virginia seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a research team focused on genomic studies related to chronic diseases. The ideal candidate should have a Doctoral degree in a relevant field, strong analytic skills, and proficiency in statistics and programming. Responsibilities include analyzing complex data sets and contributing to important research projects. This position is fully on-site in Charlottesville, VA, with a competitive salary based on experience.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate awarded within the previous five years.
• Willingness to learn new computational approaches and design projects independently.
• Enthusiasm and ambition for research.

Responsibilities

• Analyze bulk and single-cell transcriptomic data sets.
• Conduct genetic association analysis of disease variants.
• Integrate systems genetics analysis of multi-omics data.

Skills

Knowledge of statistics and genetics

Experience with statistical software (R or Python)

C, C++ programming skills

Experience working in a Unix / Linux environment

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Education

Doctoral degree in Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, Genetics, Epidemiology, or Computational Biology

Job description

The Department of Genome Sciences at the University of Virginia School of Medicine seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will work in the lab of Dr. Ani Manichaikul. The successful candidate will join a collegial and productive research team focused on the statistical integration of whole genome sequencing with transcriptomic and proteomic data sets. The goal of these projects will be to identify novel genes and pathways involved in determining risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and related traits in large multi-center human cohort and case-control studies. Analytical responsibilities will include analysis of bulk and single-cell transcriptomic data sets, genetic association analysis of common and rare disease variants and integrative systems genetics analysis of multi-omics data.

Postdoctoral employment is temporary and is normally limited to an individual who has been awarded a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate within the previous five years and who will be involved in full-time research or scholarship at the University. Employment as a Postdoctoral Research Associate is viewed as training and is preparatory for a full-time academic or research career, is supervised by a senior scholar, and allows the appointee to publish the results of his/her research or scholarship during the training period.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Doctoral degree in Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, Genetics, Epidemiology, Computational Biology, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Enthusiastic and ambitious individual with a strong interest in our research and laboratory environment
• Willingness to learn new computational approaches and design projects independently
• Eagerness to apply for postdoctoral grants and to take advantage of other career development opportunities
• Interest in working with junior lab members
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Knowledge of statistics and genetics; experience with statistical software (R or Python)
• Additional desired qualifications include experience working with large-scale multi-center studies; working knowledge of existing tools for genetic analysis and data management; C, C++ programming skills; and experience working in a Unix / Linux environment.

Physical Demands

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

This is an exempt-level, benefited position. For more information on the benefits available to postdoctoral associates at UVA, visit postdoc.virginia.edu and hr.virginia.edu/benefits.

This is a restricted position, which is dependent on funding and is contingent upon funding availability. This is a 12-month appointment with the possibility of renewal contingent upon satisfactory performance and the availability of funding.

This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site.

To learn more about UVA and the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.

Application review will begin after February 5, 2026.

Background checks and pre-employment health screenings will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.

How to Apply

Please apply online, by searching for requisition number R0079982. Complete an application with the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter outlining relevant expertise and scientific interests

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.

Internal applicants: Search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website.

Reference checks will be completed by UVA’s third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.

For questions about the position, please contact Ani Manichaikul, [e-mail].

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

Job Profile

J0267 - Research Associate - 12 Month

Career Stream and Level

No Career Stream-No Level

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.