Job Description

Position Summary:

Dr. Tianying Wang in the Department of Statistics at Colorado State University invites applications for two postdoctoral positions in statistical genetics and genomics. The fellow will have the opportunity to work closely with Dr. Gao Wang and his research team in the Department of Neurology at Columbia University. The postdoctoral fellow will work closely with both investigators in a collaborative research environment spanning statistical methodology, statistical genetics, functional genomics, and neuroscience. The research program includes NIH-funded work on developing statistical methods to study nonlinear and context-dependent genetic regulation in Alzheimer’s disease and the aging brain, as well as related research in statistical genetics and functional genomics.

The position offers opportunities to develop new statistical methods, analyze large-scale human genetic and multi-omic data, lead methodological and applied projects, and develop an independent research direction within the broader scientific scope of the program.

The position is expected to be supported for two years, with the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance, funding availability, and mutual interest.

Work authorization visa sponsorship may be available based on the specific situation, including cost, for the selected final candidate.

Full Consideration Date:

For full consideration, please submit your application no later than November 1, 2026 at 11:59 MST. Applications will be collected past this date through November 15, 2026 and may be considered.

Essential Job Duties:

• Develop statistical methods for genetic association and functional genomics, including quantile-based analysis, fine-mapping, xQTL analysis, colocalization, or TWAS, according to project needs and research fit.
• Conduct data quality assessment and analyze human genetic, genomic, and multi-omic data.
• Design and conduct simulation studies to evaluate statistical methods and interpret their finite-sample properties.
• Develop, test, and document statistical software and reproducible analyses in R, with other languages as appropriate.
• Lead preparation of manuscripts, figures, and presentations and communicate findings to collaborators.
• Work with the supervisor to define research questions, interpret results, and develop an independent research direction. Follow applicable data access and confidentiality requirements.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in statistics, biostatistics, statistical genetics, bioinformatics, computational biology, or a closely related quantitative field, completed by the start of the appointment.
• Proficiency in R.
• Strong statistical training or substantive experience analyzing human genetic or genomic data.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience developing statistical methods for genetic or genomic studies. 
• Experience in one or more of the following: genetic association analysis, fine-mapping, xQTL analysis, colocalization, TWAS, or genetic and multi-omic data integration. 
• Experience with reproducible scientific computing, documented software, or Linux/HPC computing. 
• Ability to communicate research findings clearly through scientific writing or presentations. 
• Candidates need not have experience in every listed method or data type. 

Supervision:

No supervisory duties.

Conditions of Employment:

• Pre-employment background check (required for all new hires).
• Occasional travel, approximately one week per year, may be required to support data collection activities.

Anticipated Start Date:

The anticipated start date is flexible, with the position available to begin as early as January 2027 and preferably no later than August 2027.

Applicant Instructions:

Please read the following instructions carefully and submit all required application materials.

To apply, please upload one single PDF containing all required application materials listed below, in the order provided. Your materials should clearly outline your work experience, education, and other relevant qualifications and demonstrate how your background aligns with the required and preferred qualifications outlined in the posting.

The required application materials include:

• A complete curriculum vitae;
• A research statement describing your previous research experience and current research interests

Important: The single PDF containing all application materials must be uploaded under the section labeled “Resume/CL.” Please combine all materials into one PDF and ensure they are included in the specified order. System limitations allow for a 5MB document upload. You will not be able to modify or add documents after submitting your application, so please carefully review your materials before submitting. Failure to submit the required materials as instructed may affect consideration of your application.

Please note that three letters of recommendation will be required for finalist candidates. Finalists will receive an email with instructions to provide the contact information for three professional references. To help avoid delays in the search process, please complete this step as soon as possible.

Once reference contact information is submitted, each reference will be contacted directly to provide a letter of recommendation. The communication sent to each reference will include the deadline for submitting the letter.

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact Tianying Wang at [email protected].

Salary Range

Required Application Documents

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

• Review our detailed benefits information here.

• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.

• Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.