New

Postdoctoral Associate

University of Colorado
paid time off, tuition assistance, relocation assistance
United States, Colorado, Boulder
Oct 21, 2026
Requisition Number: 75569 Location: Boulder, Colorado City Boulder State Colorado Employment Type: Research Faculty Schedule: Full-Time Date Posted: 21-Oct-2026 Close All Job Summary A postdoctoral position is available on an NIH-funded project that focuses on genetic heterogeneity in depression. This project includes analyses of large-scale biobank data, including genotype, phenotype, and environmental measures. Approaches include genome- and transcriptome-wide association study (GWAS/TWAS) methods, genomic structural equation modeling (Genomic SEM), gene-environment interaction associations, genetic variance component estimation and partitioning, and polygenic score approaches. This position is ideal for highly motivated individuals with skills in behavioral and statistical genetics, association genetics, and interest in working with large datasets in high performance computing (HPC) and cloud computing environments alongside a team of multidisciplinary group of collaborators. The successful candidate will work closely with Dr. Matthew C. Keller (Contact PI) and Dr. Luke M. Evans (MPI), with opportunities to interact with other team members and colleagues, including at IBG and collaborating institutions. CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Who We Are The Institute for Behavioral Genetics (IBG) is an organized research unit of the University of Colorado Boulder Graduate School dedicated to conducting and facilitating research on the genetic and environmental bases of individual differences in behavior. There is particular interest in the genetics of psychiatric, behavioral, neurological, and substance use disorders. IBG researchers make use of large biobanks as well as well characterized longitudinal data arising from both family- and population-based samples and experimental systems (rodent models and cell culture). Statistical and epidemiological approaches relevant to the project include GWAS/TWAS, LD Score regression, Genomic SEM, GxEWAS, and longitudinal twin & family studies. Within IBG, Dr. Keller's lab and Dr. Evans's lab both focus on genetic architecture of complex traits, including characterizing genetic influences and estimating their effects using a variety of statistical genetic methods, with foci on internalizing traits, substance use traits, and aging. What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be Collaborating with Drs. Keller and Evans and the other team members on characterizing genetic heterogeneity of depression across multiple strata. Taking the lead on projects, seeing them through from analysis to writing manuscripts and to publication as the first author. Writing and running scripts and code to perform analyses on the CU Research Computing HPC and cloud computing workbenches (All of Us Workbench and UKB RAP, among others). Managing data and maintaining documentation of analyses. Interacting with team members at IBG and with collaborators. What You Should Know Access to world-class research facilities and resources. Collaborative and innovative scientific environment. Great quality of life in Boulder, Colorado. What We Can Offer Salary $68,000-$72,500 per year depending on experience. The position is open for a 24-month fellowship, with possible opportunity to extend to additional years. An anticipated start date is flexible, at latest by the end of May, 2027. Relocation assistance is available depending on department guidelines. Benefits At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of Forbes' America's Best Large Employers, ranking #4 among large employers in Colorado and #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program. Be Statements Be ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder. What We Require Ph.D. or equivalent degree in psychology, genetics, or related, relevant field (e.g., bioinformatics, statistics). A strong background in behavioral genetics and statistics. Advanced, hands-on experience in genetic association mapping approaches (GWAS/TWAS) and multivariate genetic methods (Genomic SEM). Proficiency in R, knowledge of standard packages in the field (e.g., plink, regenie, GCTA, etc.). Proficiency in running genetic analyses in an HPC and/or cloud computing environment. What You Will Need Established track record publishing first-authored, peer-reviewed manuscripts. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. The ability to work independently and be able to succeed in a collaborative environment. References that demonstrate your scientific capabilities and collaborative attitude. Special Instructions To apply, please submit the following materials: CV/Resume Cover Letter briefly describing your qualifications, experience, professional goals, and specific interest in the position List of three references (Optional) Transcripts/Proof of Degree: If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources Department using an approved online vendor. However, if your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit an English-translated version as an Optional document. Review of applications will begin October 30, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs. In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.