Post-Doc Research Associate

University of North Carolina, United States

Updated: over 1 year ago
Location: Chapel Hill, NORTH CAROLINA
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: ; ;

Posting Information
Posting Details


Department Genetics - 423501
Posting Open Date 06/28/2022
Application Deadline
Open Until Filled Yes
Position Type Postdoctoral Scholar
Position Title Post-Doc Research Associate
Vacancy ID PDS003507
Full-time/Part-time Full-Time Temporary
Hours per week 40
FTE 1
Work Location Chapel Hill, NC
Position Location North Carolina, US
Hiring Range Dependent on Qualifications
Proposed Start Date 08/01/2022
Estimated Duration of Appointment 12 Months

Position Information


Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
The mission of the Genetics department is to provide basic and applied genetic/genomic research, education, and training at the interface between biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, mathematics, the social sciences, public health, and medicine to have a profound effect on how medicine will be practiced in the future.
Our graduate programs train students to be creative, sophisticated research scientists prepared to pursue careers focused on genetics and genomics working in academic science, government, or commercial positions. Students conduct their dissertation research using diverse experimental approaches – from classical genetics to the most modern molecular methods – to address a broad range of contemporary problems in biomedical science.
The Department also includes a clinical arm focused on medical genetics, which covers the broad spectrum of clinical genetic research from disease prevention to diagnosis and treatment. This specialty includes evaluation, mutation discovery, counseling and risk assessment through analysis and genetic testing. Locating the clinical group alongside basic scientists facilitates integration of cutting-edge genetic research with patient care.
Position Summary
A full-time post-doctoral fellow position is available, in the Department of Genetics and the Department of Biostatistics, at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (UNC-CH). We strongly welcome ambitious and talented candidates keen on developing statistical methods and computational tools for omics data, for the genetic dissection of complex diseases. 
The post-doctoral fellow will join the Li Statistical Genetics Group at UNC-CH (https://yunliweb.its.unc.edu/). The main project for this position is the polygenic risk score (PRS) project where we aim to develop new methods to construct PRS that explicitly model local ancestry and natural selection, as well as relevant endophenotypes to better predict clinical endpoints in diverse populations. The Li group has extensive experience studying various endophenotypes, including hematological traits (e.g., red blood cell, white blood cell, and platelet indices), and immune/inflammatory traits (e.g., CRP, fibrinogen, D-dimer). Specifically, we will extend current PRS methods to: a) explicitly model local ancestry; b) accommodate large-effect but population-specific risk alleles (such as those from regions with a signature of natural selection); and c) enable joint modeling of multiple endophenotypes. We will also develop and apply novel PRS and overall disease prediction models to: a) estimate risk of common diseases (including cardiometabolic, neuropsychiatric and kidney diseases) and related biomarkers affected by hematological, thrombotic and immune/inflammatory biology; and b) enable calculation of PRS-adjusted clinical laboratory values to reduce structural health disparities. As one of the study sites in the NHGRI newly formed PRIMED consortium (https://primedconsortium.org/), the candidate has the opportunity to interact with world-renowned experts to develop and apply PRS methods in diverse populations. In addition, the candidate can play leadership roles in consortia efforts including PRIMED, IGVF, 4DN, and TOPMed.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Ph.D. in Biostatistics, Statistics, Quantitative Genetics, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Genetic Epidemiology and related fields
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Relevant research experience in Biostatistics, Statistics, Quantitative Genetics, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Genetic Epidemiology and related fields
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
The position requires strong quantitative background skills. Knowledge in biology or genetics is desired but not required. But the position entails strong interest and willingness in learning genomics
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Special Instructions
For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here
Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/234294

Posting Contact Information


Department Contact Name and Title Sam Robinson, HR Consultant
Department Contact Telephone or Email [email protected]
Postdoctoral Affairs Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity office at (919) 966-3576 or send an email to [email protected].

Please note: The Equal Employment Opportunity office will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.

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