The Department of Genome Sciences at the University of Virginia (UVA) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in the broad areas of biostatistics, data science, and AI. This position will focus on developing and applying novel statistical methods, machine learning approaches, and AI-driven computational tools, with a strong focus on statistical genetics and genomics. Methodological work will be closely linked to applications in cancer and/or autism research. The fellow will work under the supervision of Dr. Ziqiao Wang and there will be opportunities to collaborate with the School of Data Science, Department of Statistics, and UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Research directions include but are not limited to: multi-omics data integration, polygenic risk score analysis, modeling of gene–environment interactions, and Mendelian randomization studies for causal inference. Additional information on research projects and recent publications can be found on the lab’s website (https://ziqiaow.github.io).

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

Education: Doctoral degree in Biostatistics, Statistics, Computer Science, Data Science, Bioinformatics, or a related quantitative field

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in statistical computing (e.g., R, Python)
• Strong quantitative skills (e.g., statistical methods, machine learning, etc.), the ability to manage large datasets, and experience with using large-scale datasets such as UK Biobank, All of Us, ARIC, TCGA is highly desirable
• A collaborative mindset and commitment to impactful research

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, experience, and NIH guidelines.

This is an exempt-level, benefited position. For more information on the benefits available to postdoctoral associates at UVA, visit postdoc.virginia.edu and hr.virginia.edu/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 February 16, 2026. Applications received by February 28, 2026 will be given priority review.

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 R0080294. Complete an application with the following documents:

• CV (required)
• Cover letter (required)
• Academic transcripts (optional)
• Names of 3 references (required)

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 the UVA 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. Ziqiao Wang, ziqiao.wang@virginia.edu.

For questions about the application process, please contact Jessica Russo, Senior Recruiter, sxv9zv@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.