Post-Doc Research Associate (Raffield Lab)

UNC-Chapel Hill • Chapel Hill, NC

3d

About The Position

The Raffield Lab in the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Department of Genetics seeks a postdoctoral research associate with a background in human genetics, epidemiology, biostatistics, or a related field. The role involves large-scale genomic and multi-omic analyses of traits related to cardiometabolic disease and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias across populations. The lab works with large genomic and multi-omic datasets, including genome-wide association studies and transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic data. The successful candidate will join collaborative projects involving scientists at institutions across the United States and globally.

Potential projects include leading cross-cohort ‘omics analyses in NHLBI’s Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) Initiative; analyzing bulk and single-cell gene expression QTLs, metabolomics QTLs, and protein QTLs across multiple platforms in blood and plasma across populations; studying local-ancestry-differentiated and variance QTLs; and conducting subsequent colocalization with known cardiometabolic, blood, and dementia-related loci. Other work may include genetic and epidemiological analyses of inflammation- and thrombosis-related biomarkers for cardiometabolic disease and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

Postdoctoral fellows may lead multiple projects and work with Dr. Raffield to develop a multi-year plan focused on scientific productivity, independent grant funding, and progress toward an independent career. The department offers a collegial, supportive mentoring environment. Professional development opportunities through BioSTAR and the UNC Office of Postdoctoral Affairs support leadership development, scientific communication, grant writing, networking, and career exploration. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and will equal or exceed NIH postdoctoral stipends. Medical insurance and benefits are provided in accordance with UNC standard postdoctoral benefits.

Requirements

• Background in human genetics, epidemiology, biostatistics, or a related field.
• Strong scientific communication skills.
• High motivation for team science and enthusiasm for multicenter collaborative projects.

Nice To Haves

• Experience analyzing large genomic datasets.
• Experience conducting epidemiological analyses in cohort and biobank studies, particularly involving high-throughput ‘omics datasets such as metabolomics and proteomics.
• Experience working with large datasets on high-performance computing clusters or in cloud computing environments.

Responsibilities

• Conduct large-scale genomic and multi-omic analyses of traits related to cardiometabolic disease and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias across populations.
• Lead or contribute to cross-cohort ‘omics analyses in NHLBI’s TOPMed Initiative.
• Analyze bulk and single-cell gene expression QTLs, metabolomics QTLs, and protein QTLs across platforms in blood and plasma.
• Analyze local-ancestry-differentiated and variance QTLs and perform subsequent colocalization with known cardiometabolic, blood, and dementia-related loci.
• Conduct genetic and epidemiological analyses of inflammation- and thrombosis-related biomarkers.
• Collaborate on multicenter projects with scientists at institutions across the United States and globally.
• Work with Dr. Raffield to develop a multi-year plan to support scientific productivity, pursue independent grant funding, and progress toward an independent career.

Benefits

• Medical insurance and benefits in accordance with UNC standard postdoctoral benefits.
• Professional development opportunities through BioSTAR and the UNC Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, including leadership development, scientific communication, grant writing, networking, and career exploration.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed