Job Description

The Division of Genetic Medicine is a nationally recognized leader in human genetics and precision medicine research. Faculty investigators lead major national research initiatives and utilize large-scale genomic, clinical, and multi-omic resources to investigate the genetic basis of human disease. The division maintains a strong culture of collaboration, mentorship, innovation, and scientific excellence, with particular strengths in computational genetics and translational genomics.

The Division of Genetic Medicine within the Department of Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) seeks outstanding applicants for a Research Instructor position focused on computational genetics, genomics, and translational data science.

The successful candidate will join a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment dedicated to advancing precision medicine through the integration of genomic, clinical, and multi-omic data. The instructor will contribute to innovative research projects that leverage Vanderbilt's unique resources, including BioVU, one of the world's largest EHR-linked biobanks, containing genomic and longitudinal clinical data from more than 300,000 participants. The position provides opportunities to work with large-scale human genetic datasets, electronic health records, machine learning approaches, and emerging multi-omic platforms to address fundamental questions in human health and disease.

Research areas of particular interest include:

• Statistical genetics and genetic epidemiology
• Computational genomics and bioinformatics
• Multi-omic data integration
• Machine learning and artificial intelligence in health care
• Genomic learning health systems
• Pharmacogenomics and precision medicine
• Development of scalable analytic methods for large biobank data
• Population and ancestry-diverse genomic research

The Research Instructor will work closely with faculty investigators across the Division of Genetic Medicine and Vanderbilt Genetics Institute and will have access to extensive computational infrastructure, collaborative research networks, and career development resources. The position is intended for early-career investigators seeking to develop an independent research portfolio and transition toward extramural funding and future faculty advancement.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead computational research projects in human genetics and genomics.
• Analyze large-scale genomic, phenotypic, and multi-omic datasets.
• Design, implement, and maintain reproducible computational workflows.
• Collaborate with clinicians, genetic counselors, data scientists, and laboratory investigators across Vanderbilt.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation, grant development, and presentation of scientific findings.
• Mentor graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and other research trainees.
• Participate in educational activities within the Division of Genetic Medicine.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• PhD, MD/PhD, ScD, or equivalent doctoral degree in genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, computational biology, biostatistics, computer science, data science, epidemiology, or a related field.
• Demonstrated research experience in computational analysis of biological or clinical data.
• Proficiency in at least one programming language, such as Python, R, or equivalent.
• Evidence of scholarly productivity, including peer-reviewed publications.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with large-scale genomic datasets, biobanks, or electronic health records.
• Expertise in statistical genetics, machine learning, or multi-omics.
• Familiarity with cloud computing environments and high-performance computing resources.
• Experience contributing to collaborative, team-based research programs.
• Interest in developing an independent research program within genetic medicine.

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit:

• Cover letter describing research interests and career goals
• Curriculum vitae
• Research statement (1-2 pages) outlining prior accomplishments and future research directions
• Names and contact information for three references

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

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Vanderbilt Health is committed to fostering an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and is committed to the principles of equal opportunity. EOE/Vets/Disabled.