Postdoctoral Research Associate, Cellular and Molecular Medicine

The University of Arizona • Tucson, AZ

10d • Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• Doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in human genetics, genomics, molecular biology, cell biology, or a closely related field, conferred prior to the start date.
• At least one first-author publication in a peer-reviewed journal in genetics, genomics, or vascular/cell biology.
• Demonstrated experience with next-generation sequencing data analysis, including RNA-seq or single-cell RNA-seq.
• Proficiency in at least one scripting or programming language used in genomics (R, Python, or Bash/Unix).
• Experience with primary mammalian cell culture in a BSL-2 laboratory setting.
• Ability operating specialized equipment in a laboratory setting.
• Proficiency in 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.
• Working knowledge of large-scale biobank resources, particularly the All of US Research Program and phenome-wide association study (PheWAS) frameworks.
• Biological knowledge of vascular cell types, endothelial function, and the pathobiology of atherosclerosis.

Nice To Haves

• 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.
• A combination of experimental and computational expertise that spans the full arc from bench to genome-scale analysis.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree