Postdoctoral Scholar/Researcher in Statistical Genetics – Human Genetics – Young Lab Full-time

Postdoctoral Scholar/Researcher in Statistical Genetics – Human Genetics – Young Lab

Position overview:

Salary range: $69,073 – $82,836

Application window:

Open date: February 16, 2026

Next review date: Monday, Mar 16, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Tuesday, Jun 16, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

Applications are invited for a full-time postdoctoral researcher position to work with Dr. Alexander Young on the development of mathematical theory, statistical methods, and software in statistical genetics. This role is ideal for a researcher with strong quantitative and computational skills interested in foundational research exploring how genetic variation influences human traits, diseases, behaviors, and social outcomes.

A central theme of Dr. Young's research is how we can use the randomization of genetic material within-families to disentangle nature and nurture. This then enables us to understand how genetic and cultural transmission from parents to offspring, combined with mating patterns, shape the distribution of traits in the population. The successful candidate will play a central role in developing new statistical methods, software, and theoretical frameworks.

Dr. Young is on the steering committee member of the Social Science Genetic Association Consortium (SSGAC), a cooperative enterprise between medical researchers and social scientists that coordinates genetic association studies across the biomedical and social sciences, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to collaborate with Prof. Daniel Benjamin (UCLA Human Genetics and Anderson School of Management), as well as other prominent SSGAC researchers including Patrick Turley (USC) and Aysu Okbay (Amsterdam UMC).

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and apply mathematical and statistical models for analyzing genetic data.
• Design and implement computational tools and software to support statistical genetics research.
• Lead and contribute to academic publications and present findings at scientific conferences.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications:

• Ph.D. in statistics, mathematics, computational biology, statistical genetics, quantitative genetics, or a closely related field.

• Strong background in quantitative methods, statistical modeling, and computational approaches.

• Experience in programming (e.g., Python, R, C++, Julia) and working with large-scale genetic datasets.

• Demonstrated research excellence, evidenced by publications or working papers.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment.

Application requirements

Document requirements:

• Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Research Paper or Other Writing Sample
• Statement of Research (Optional)
• Reference check authorization release form – Complete and upload the reference check authorization release form
• Misc / Additional (Optional)

Reference requirements:

• 2 required (contact information only)

Please provide the names and contact information of two references.

About UCLA

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

Job location

Los Angeles, CA