Postdoctoral Research Associate, Cellular and Molecular Medicine

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Posting Number req27032 Department Cellular & Molecular Medicine Department Website Link https://cmm.arizona.edu/ Location Tucson Campus Address 1501 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson, AZ 85719 USA Position Highlights

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.

Outstanding U of A benefits include 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; and more!

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Duties & Responsibilities

The laboratory combines human endothelial cell culture and perturbation systems with genomic discovery tools to dissect how genetic variation at CAD-associated loci operates through the vessel wall.

Active research areas include:

• Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) mapping in human endothelial cell cohorts exposed to various in vitro environments.
• Genetic and heterogeneity-based analysis of endothelial cell molecular traits using single-cell RNA sequencing and chromatin accessibility profiling .
• Colocalization and Mendelian Randomization between genetic signals in endothelial cells and GWAS signals for vascular phenotypes.
• Integration with population-scale biobanks including UK Biobank, All of Us, and others.
• Functional characterization of candidate effector genes using laboratory assays for endothelial functions.

Primary Job Duties Include:

• 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.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• The ideal candidate will have a combination of experimental and computational expertise that spans the full arc from bench to genome-scale analysis.

The following qualifications are strongly preferred:

• 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.

FLSA Exempt Full Time/Part Time Full Time Number of Hours Worked per Week 40 Job FTE 1 Work Calendar Fiscal Job Category Research Benefits Eligible Yes - Full Benefits Rate of Pay NIH salary guidelines, Depends on Experience Compensation Type salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE) Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive) Number of Vacancies 1 Target Hire Date Expected End Date Contact Information for Candidates Dr Casey Romanoski, cromanoski@arizona.edu Open Date 9/11/2026 Open Until Filled Yes Documents Needed to Apply Curriculum Vitae (CV), Cover Letter, and One Additional Document Special Instructions to Applicant Documents needed to apply:

• A cover letter describing your research background, relevant experience, and motivation for joining the laboratory. (2 pages maximum)
• A current curriculum vitae including a full publication list.
• Contact information for three professional references.

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