Department of Statistics RESEARCH FELLOW

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How to Apply

To apply, please submit the following materials via email to: [email protected]

  • A cover letter summarizing research experience and interests
  • Curriculum vitae, including publications and/or preprints
  • Contact information for three references

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Job Summary

The Terhorst Lab in the Department of Statistics at the University of Michigan is recruiting a postdoctoral research fellow in statistical genetics and computational genomics. The position is part of a collaborative project with the University of Edinburgh and the University of Oxford focused on developing scalable methods for complex trait analysis using ancestral recombination graphs (ARGs). 

Research areas include statistical/quantitative/population genetics, genealogical inference, machine learning, genetic prediction, genome-wide association studies, scalable linear mixed models, and efficient algorithms for large-scale genomic data analysis.

This is a one-year appointment starting as early as possible, with renewal possible based on the availability of funds, availability of work, and satisfactory performance.

Responsibilities*

  • Develop novel statistical and computational methods for ARG-based quantitative genetics
  • Analyze large-scale genetic and phenotypic datasets
  • Implement scalable software and algorithms for genomic inference
  • Collaborate with researchers across statistics, genetics, and computational biology
  • Contribute to manuscripts, presentations, and open-source software development
  • Participate in interdisciplinary collaborations related to predictive breeding and genome editing
  • Travel to the United Kingdom to collaborate with project partners at the University of Edinburgh and the University of Oxford

Required Qualifications*

  • PhD in statistics, computer science, computational biology, genetics, applied mathematics, or a related quantitative field is required
  • Proof of degree completion must be in hand on or before the start date
  • Strong programming and computational skills
  • Experience with statistical modeling, machine learning, or large-scale data analysis

Desired Qualifications*

  • Experience with population genetics or statistical genetics
  • Familiarity with Bayesian methods, probabilistic modeling, or graphical models
  • Experience with scientific computing in Python, JAX, Torch, Julia, C++, or related languages
  • Experience with high-performance computing or scalable algorithms
  • Interest in interdisciplinary research spanning genomics and evolutionary biology

Modes of Work

The position is on-site in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Additional Information

Salary and Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with experience and is expected to be in the range of $65,000 - $80,000 per year, plus benefits and a $3,000 relocation assistance bonus.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Contact Information

Please direct questions about the position to Jonathan Terhorst at [email protected].

Please direct questions about how to apply to: [email protected] 

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.