Postdoctoral positions are available in Dr. Zechen Chong’s Laboratory in the Department of Genome Sciences at the University of Virginia (UVA) School of Medicine in Charlottesville, Virginia.
The Chong Laboratory is seeking highly motivated postdoctoral researchers with interests in bioinformatics, computational genomics, and clinical genomics. The positions are initially available for 2–3 years, with the possibility of extension. Specific projects will be tailored to the interests, experience, and career goals of each candidate.
Our research focuses on the development of computational methods and bioinformatics tools, with a major emphasis on long-read sequencing data, including PacBio and Oxford Nanopore technologies. We are particularly interested in developing novel algorithms for structural variant detection, genome assembly, complex genomic rearrangements, and other applications that leverage the unique capabilities of long-read sequencing. We also integrate short-read and single-cell sequencing data when appropriate.
A second major research direction is the application of computational and genomic approaches to large-scale biomedical datasets to discover novel biological mechanisms and clinically relevant genomic alterations. Current research interests include long-read sequencing, structural variation, genome assembly, complex genomic rearrangements, cancer genomics, single-cell genomics, and clinical genomics.
Postdoctoral fellows will have opportunities to lead research projects, develop new computational methods and software, publish manuscripts, contribute to grant applications, mentor students and trainees, collaborate with computational, experimental, and clinical investigators, and present their work at national and international conferences.
About the University of Virginia
The University of Virginia (UVA), founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, is a leading public research university located in Charlottesville, Virginia. UVA offers a highly collaborative research environment with extensive biomedical and clinical resources through the UVA School of Medicine and UVA Health.
Researchers have access to a multidisciplinary scientific community spanning genomics, genetics, cancer biology, computational biology, biomedical data science, pathology, and related fields, as well as advanced core facilities supporting high-throughput sequencing, genomics, bioinformatics, imaging, and other biomedical research.
Charlottesville is located near the Blue Ridge Mountains and offers university-town amenities, outdoor recreation, cultural activities, and convenient access to Washington, D.C., and Richmond.
Candidates should have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in bioinformatics, computational biology, genomics, computer science, statistics, genetics, biomedical sciences, or a related field.
Applicants with experience in one or more of the following areas are particularly encouraged to apply: long-read sequencing (PacBio and/or Oxford Nanopore), bioinformatics and computational genomics, structural variant and complex genomic rearrangement analysis, genome assembly, algorithm and software development, next-generation sequencing analysis, single-cell genomics, or cancer and clinical genomics.
Strong programming skills in Python, Perl, C/C++, Rust, R, or related languages are preferred. Candidates should have strong quantitative, computational, communication, and scientific writing skills and be motivated to develop independent research projects while working collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
Email: zchong@virginia.edu