Postdoctoral position in primate functional genomics University

Department Biological Sciences

Full Description The Lea Lab at Vanderbilt University is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to study the functional genomics of aging. The position is part of a newly funded, collaborative NIH U19 focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying heterogeneity in aging, using rhesus macaques as a model.

A major goal of the project is to identify age-associated epigenetic changes that causally alter gene expression and may therefore contribute to age-related changes in physiology, health, and mortality. The project takes advantage of a unique non-human primate model, the rhesus macaques of Cayo Santiago, and a large multi-tissue biobank to study epigenome–transcriptome relationships across organ systems at a scale that is difficult to achieve in humans.

The postdoctoral researcher will lead the functional genomics component of the project, using empirical datasets as well as massively parallel reporter assays (MPRA) to experimentally test the effects of DNA methylation on regulatory activity. The experimental component of the project will apply MPRA techniques to identify methylation-dependent regulatory elements across diverse tissues. The postdoc will have substantial opportunities to shape the direction of this work and to integrate MPRA results with multi-tissue DNA methylation, gene expression, chromatin, and proteomic datasets generated through the broader U19.

The Lea Lab studies questions at the intersection of genomics, evolutionary biology, and human and non-human primate health. Our work relies on genomic datasets to understand how environmental and evolutionary processes shape gene regulation, physiology, and aging. More information about our research can be found at lea-lab.org/research and lea-lab.org/publications.

The lab strives to provide a supportive and inclusive research environment that fosters interdisciplinary training, scientific independence, and collaborative exchange. The lab is based in Vanderbilt's Department of Biological Sciences and is affiliated with the Vanderbilt Genetics Institute and Vanderbilt Evolutionary Studies Initiative.

This position will also provide opportunities to interact extensively with investigators across the larger U19 consortium, which brings together expertise in geroscience, non-human primate biology, functional genomics, and statistical genetics.

Candidates should have a Ph.D. in genetics, molecular biology, evolutionary biology, or a related field by the position start date.

We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in functional genomics. Experience with one or more of the following would be especially valuable:

• massively parallel reporter assays (MPRAs), especially STARR-seq, mSTARR-seq, or related high-throughput functional assays
• molecular cloning and library preparation
• mammalian cell culture and transfection
• DNA methylation and epigenomics
• next-generation sequencing-library preparation
• analysis of MPRA, RNA-seq, DNA methylation, ATAC-seq, or related genomic datasets
• statistical and quantitative data analysis in R, Python, or similar languages

Prior experience specifically with MPRAs is preferred but not required. Candidates with strong experience in related functional-genomics approaches and an interest in learning the assay are encouraged to apply.

Because the position bridges experimental and computational genomics, the ideal candidate will be comfortable working at the bench and analyzing high-throughput sequencing data. Candidates whose expertise is stronger in one area but who are enthusiastic about developing skills in the other are also encouraged to apply.

Applicants should have excellent organizational and communication skills, intellectual curiosity, and an interest in working as part of a large, interdisciplinary, and collaborative research team.

The anticipated start date is November 15, 2026
, although the timing is flexible. Candidates must have obtained their Ph.D. in a related field before beginning the position. The initial appointment will be for one year, with extension for multiple years possible and contingent on satisfactory progress and continued funding.

Applications will be reviewed beginning immediately and will close on October 15th .