In a major new initiative, the Department of Genome Sciences in the School of Medicine at the University of Virginia (UVA), in partnership with the UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center (UVACCC), seeks to fill two tenure-track faculty positions in Cancer Precision Medicine/Precision Health. This initiative is part of a $50M UVA Grand Challenges Research Investment in Precision Health for Populations (https://research.virginia.edu/Grand-challenges).

The University of Virginia's 2030 plan recognizes Precision Medicine/Precision Health as a major societal challenge and an opportunity for multidisciplinary work that draws on our existing strengths. In partnership, the Provost and the Deans of various schools are making multiple coordinated faculty recruitments to strengthen the research community focusing on Precision Health for Populations across the University. Recruits will receive support from the Provost and from their school and will participate in the Precision Health for Populations Initiative

We invite applications from candidates at any rank (Assistant, Associate, or full Professor) with a Ph.D. and/or M.D. in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Genetics, Genomics, Statistics, or a related field for the following two positions:

Molecular Epidemiologist: Candidates should have expertise in cancer epidemiology including population-/patient-based cohort studies, with a focus on the genetic, molecular, and physiological basis of cancer. Candidates should have a research program focused on the use of genomics and/or other “-omics” data (e.g., epigenomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and/or metabolomic) to identify biomarkers that inform our understanding of cancer development and/or progression and to develop precision health-based tools for cancer risk assessment, early detection, diagnosis, and/or prognosis.

Computational biologist:  Candidates should have expertise in computational biology and a strong research track record in cancer genomics. The ideal candidate will have experience in developing and applying computational, statistical, or machine learning methods to address key questions in cancer biology. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying cancer development, progression, and resistance, as well as integrative approaches to biomarker discovery and precision oncology. We are especially interested in individuals whose work spans diverse data types (e.g., genomic, transcriptomic, epigenomic, proteomic) and contributes to advances in cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutics. Candidates with innovative computational methods or AI approaches applicable to drug discovery, novel therapeutic strategies, or precision medicine are strongly encouraged to apply.

The successful faculty candidates must have a proven track record of scholarly activity and peer-reviewed funding commensurate with career stage. Support will include attractive start-up packages, laboratory space (dry lab), and the opportunity to work in a highly interactive research environment. We seek to recruit faculty from diverse backgrounds and faculty who value diversity.

The Department of Genome Sciences (formerly the Center for Public Health Genomics) was established in January 2007 and is currently home to 18 resident faculty and over 50 affiliated faculty. The Department of Genome Sciences fosters excellence in human genetics and genomics research at the University of Virginia. Our core mission is focused on advancing personalized medicine through the use of genetic and genomic discovery to inform the prediction, prevention, and treatment of disease. Laboratories in the Department of Genome Sciences use cutting-edge computational and experimental approaches to investigate the basis of a wide-range of disease areas including, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, osteoporosis, and cancer. Critical to the mission of the Department of Genome Sciences is training the next generation of genome scientists by providing state-of-the-art research, translational, and teaching experiences.

The University of Virginia Comprehensive Cancer Center (UVACCC) is a matrix cancer center that brings together 162 Members from 27 Departments in the Schools of Medicine, Nursing, Engineering, Education and Human Development, Data Science, and in the College of Arts and Sciences. Through faculty recruitment and robust infrastructure development, the UVACC has continued to build on its exceptional basic science foundations, greatly enhanced its ability to accelerate clinical and translational cancer focused research, and built a robust population science program. The UVACCC has four Programs: Cancer Biology (CBIO), Molecular Genetics and Epigenetics (GEN), Cancer Therapeutics (CRX), and Cancer Control and Population Health (CPH). The mission of the UVACCC is to reduce the burden of cancer for the patients of today, through skilled, integrated, and compassionate care and to eliminate the threat of cancer for the patients of tomorrow, through research and education in an environment that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion. Because it is a matrix cancer center that is fully integrated within a leading public university, the UVACCC has a special opportunity and responsibility to bring a diverse universe of new knowledge and technology into cancer research and care for the people in its catchment area.

Review of applications will start on 12/1/2024. Applications received by 2/1/2025 will receive full consideration, but the positions will remain open until filled.

For questions about the application process, please contact the Search Committee Chair, Chongzhi Zang, PhD at zang@virginia.edu. 

We invite applications from candidates at any rank (Assistant, Associate, or full Professor) with a Ph.D. and/or M.D. in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Genetics, Genomics, Statistics, or a related field.  The successful faculty candidates must have a proven track record of scholarly activity and peer-reviewed funding commensurate with career stage. 

Complete an application online with the following documents:

• CV/Resume
• Cover Letter detailing your interest in this position and highlighting knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences
• Statement of Mentoring

Upload all materials into the resume submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF for submission.  Applications that do not contain all required documents will not receive full consideration.