What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Associate, Department of Genome Sciences position at The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia?
The Department of Genome Sciences at the University of Virginia School of Medicine is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the laboratory of Dr. Charles R. Farber. This position provides an opportunity to work at the forefront of computational human genetics and genomics in a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment.
The successful candidate will focus on understanding the genetic and molecular basis of complex traits and diseases, with an emphasis on osteoporosis and cardiometabolic disorders. This is a computational position involving the development and application of statistical and computational methods to analyze large-scale human genomic and multi-omics datasets. Current research in the laboratory integrates genome-wide association studies with functional genomics, including bulk and single-cell transcriptomics, to identify causal genes, regulatory mechanisms, and networks influencing disease risk.
The Research Associate will lead projects in statistical genetics, integrative genomics, and causal inference, and will work closely with experimental collaborators. The position offers strong mentorship, opportunities for collaboration, and support for career development, including preparation of fellowship and career transition awards.
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
Ph.D. in Genetics, Computational Biology, Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, Epidemiology, Computer Science, or a related quantitative field
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience analyzing large-scale genomic or transcriptomic datasets
- Proficiency in R
- Experience working in Linux or high-performance computing environments
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to work both independently and in collaborative settings
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. Learn more about UVA 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 April 9, 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 R0082011. Complete an application with the following documents:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
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 theUVA 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 Dr. Charles Farber, crf2s@virginia.edu.
For questions about the application process, please contact Bill Crane, Senior Recruiter, xer5ff@virginia.edu.
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.
The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, and family medical or genetic information.