Summary
The Yang Lab (PI: Yaohua Yang, PhD) in the Department of Genome Sciences at the University of Virginia (UVA) School of Medicine is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate specializing in genetic and molecular epidemiology. Supported by an NCI R37 (MERIT) award, this position focuses on investigating $N^6$-methyladenosine ($\text{m}^6\text{A}$) RNA modifications in lung cancer through the integration of human lung tissue epitranscriptomic profiling, population-scale genetic and multi-omics data, and functional validation. The role offers cross-disciplinary mentorship spanning population genomics, bioinformatics, statistical genetics, and cancer molecular biology.
Postdoctoral Research Associate: Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology
Overview
| Attribute | Details |
| Requisition ID | R0086662 |
| Designation | Postdoctoral Research Associate |
| Organization / Institution | University of Virginia (UVA Health / School of Medicine) |
| Department / Lab | Department of Genome Sciences / Yang Lab |
| Employment Type | Full-Time, Exempt-level, Benefited |
| Salary Range | $63,480 – $77,076 per year |
| Work Arrangement | Fully On-site |
| Primary Mentors | Dr. Yaohua Yang (PI), Dr. Kexin Xu (Co-mentor), Dr. Jianjun Chen (Collaborating mentor) |
Research Area
- Genetic & Molecular Epidemiology
- Cancer Epitranscriptomics & Genomics: $N^6$-methyladenosine ($\text{m}^6\text{A}$) RNA modifications and lung cancer etiology/prognosis
- Host-Microbiome Interactions: Impact of the commensal microbiome on the host epigenome, transcriptome, and disease outcomes
- Multi-Omics & Proteogenomics: Statistical genetics (GWAS/TWAS/PWAS, Mendelian randomization, QTL mapping) and drug repurposing for complex diseases
Location
- Location: 1215 Lee Street, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, United States of America (University of Virginia Grounds)
Eligibility / Qualifications
Required (Minimum) Qualifications
- Education: Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent doctoral degree in Epidemiology, Genetics, Genomics, Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or a related field (awarded or expected prior to start date).
- Track-Specific Requirements (One of the following):
- Quantitative Track: Hands-on experience analyzing next-generation sequencing (NGS) data and/or population-based cohort data, with strong programming proficiency in R and/or Python.
- Laboratory Track: Hands-on experience with DNA/RNA/protein extraction, library construction/sample prep for sequencing or mass spectrometry, and CRISPR-based genome editing, combined with a strong motivation to develop skills in computational biology and genetic epidemiology.
- Publications: At least one first-author peer-reviewed publication resulting from doctoral research (published, accepted, or under review).
- Communication: Strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively in an interdisciplinary environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with statistical genetics methodologies (GWAS, TWAS, PWAS, QTL mapping, Mendelian randomization, colocalization, fine-mapping).
- Experience with diverse omic data types (WGS, genotyping, RNA-seq, $\text{m}^6\text{A}$-seq/MeRIP-seq, DNA methylation arrays, ATAC-seq, or single-cell assays).
- Familiarity with microbiome data analysis or machine learning / deep learning applications in biological data.
- Fluency with AI assistants and coding agents (e.g., Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini) for building and optimizing analysis pipelines.
Job Description & Responsibilities
- Primary Project Execution: Lead discoveries connecting lung cancer biology with population genomics under the lab’s NCI R37 MERIT award.
- Integrative Multi-Omics Research: Analyze and integrate bulk/single-cell omics, epitranscriptomics, metagenomics, and clinical cohort data.
- Independent Research & Grant Writing: Develop independent project lines with active institutional support to apply for intramural/extramural awards (e.g., NIH K99/R00 awards) to prepare for faculty positions.
- Computational & AI Infrastructure: Utilize UVA’s High-Performance Computing (HPC) clusters, dedicated storage, and fully supported frontier AI/coding assistant subscriptions.
- Mentorship & Collaborative Training: Participate in tailored training across computational analysis, molecular cancer biology, and laboratory validation.
How to Apply
- Visit the UVA Careers Portal (jobs.virginia.edu) and search for Requisition Number:
R0086662(Internal UVA applicants should apply via the internal Workday portal). - Prepare and upload the following required documents into the resume submission field (as individual files or combined into a single PDF):
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume
- Cover Letter detailing research experience, interests, and career goals
- Contact Information for Three (3) Professional References
- Note: Applications missing any required materials will not receive full consideration. Pre-employment background checks and health screenings apply.
Inquiries:
- Position & Research: Dr. Yaohua Yang (
vta8we@virginia.edu) - Application Process: Bill Crane, Senior Recruiter (
xer5ff@virginia.edu)
Last Date for Apply
- Application Review Date: Application review begins after August 31, 2026.
- Closing Date: The position remains open until filled. Early submission is strongly encouraged.
