Parker Lab Postdoctoral Research Fellow 2026 at Computational Biology in the University of Michigan

University of Michigan

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Vacancy

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Description

The Parker Lab at the University of Michigan is currently seeking a highly motivated Research Fellow (Postdoctoral Scholar) to join its interdisciplinary research team in Ann Arbor. Led by Professor Steve Parker, whose appointments span Computational Medicine & Bioinformatics, Human Genetics, and Biostatistics, the lab is internationally recognized for its cutting-edge work in genomic and computational approaches to understanding metabolic diseases. This environment offers a rare opportunity to work at the intersection of large-scale genomics, advanced computation, and translational biomedical research within one of the world’s leading research universities. This postdoctoral position is specifically tailored for a computational scientist who is ready to take intellectual ownership of high-impact research projects and contribute meaningfully to the lab’s scientific direction. Fellows are encouraged to lead analyses, develop novel computational methods, and collaborate closely with experimentalists and clinicians. Beyond research excellence, the Parker Lab is known for its supportive and transparent culture, placing strong emphasis on mentorship, work-life balance, and professional growth. Structured support mechanisms such as quarterly wellness check-ins and an annual lab retreat are integral parts of the lab’s philosophy, ensuring that researchers thrive both scientifically and personally while pursuing ambitious, impactful research. 

Responsibilities

Research Focus

The selected Research Fellow will lead and contribute to advanced computational analyses across several core research domains, including:

1. Multi-Omics Analysis: Processing, analyzing, and interpreting large-scale single-cell and single-nucleus multi-omics datasets to uncover regulatory mechanisms underlying metabolic disease.
2. Target Tissues: Conducting focused analyses on key metabolic tissues, particularly the pancreas and skeletal muscle, to better understand tissue-specific gene regulation and disease pathways.
3. Genomic Integration: Performing expression and chromatin accessibility QTL (eQTL/caQTL) analyses and integrating these results with Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) to link genetic variation to functional and disease-relevant biological processes. 

Fellowship Value and Benefits

Joining the Parker Lab provides a comprehensive platform for high-impact research, professional development, and personal well-being, including:

• Project Leadership: Take a leading role in designing and executing major research projects in statistical genetics and computational genomics, with significant intellectual ownership and visibility.
• Exceptional Data Access: Work with rich, large-scale datasets, including single-nucleus ATAC-seq (snATAC-seq) and single-nucleus RNA-seq (snRNA-seq) generated from hundreds to thousands of metabolically relevant tissue samples.
• Supportive and Healthy Lab Culture: Benefit from a lab environment that actively prioritizes researcher well-being through structured support mechanisms such as quarterly wellness check-ins, mentorship, and annual team retreats.
• Top-Tier Research Environment: Collaborate within the University of Michigan, one of the leading research institutions in the United States, with access to world-class computational resources, interdisciplinary collaborators, and a strong academic network. 

Check also: 

Fully Funded Connect Lab Graduate Research Positions 2026 at Simon Fraser University 

Qualification

Eligibility Criteria

To be competitive for this Research Fellow (Postdoctoral) position in the Parker Lab, applicants are expected to meet the following criteria:

1. Educational Background: Hold a PhD in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Computer Science, or a closely related quantitative or data-driven discipline. Candidates nearing completion of their PhD may also be considered.
2. Technical Expertise: Demonstrated strong proficiency in computational genomics, including the ability to work with large-scale biological datasets, apply statistical models, and implement reproducible analytical workflows.
3. Relevant Research Experience: Prior hands-on experience with single-cell or single-nucleus data analysis (such as scRNA-seq and/or snATAC-seq) is highly preferred, along with exposure to statistical genetics methods (e.g., QTL analysis, GWAS integration).
4. Leadership and Collaboration Skills: Proven ability to independently drive research projects from conception to publication, while also collaborating effectively within an interdisciplinary research team. 

Application Procedure

Applications for this Research Fellow (Postdoctoral) position are handled exclusively through the University of Michigan’s official careers system. Interested candidates should follow the steps below carefully:

• Access the Official Portal: Visit the University of Michigan careers website using the official application link to review the complete job description, role expectations, and institutional requirements.
• Review Position Details Thoroughly: Carefully read the posting to ensure your research background, computational skills, and career goals align with the focus of the Parker Lab and the scope of the role.
• Prepare Application Materials: Assemble a current Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing your academic training, publications, technical skills, and research experience, along with a cover letter clearly describing your research interests, expertise in computational genomics, and motivation for joining the Parker Lab.
• Submit the Application Online: Complete and submit the application form through the University of Michigan careers portal, ensuring all required documents are uploaded before final submission.
• Confirmation and Follow-Up: After submission, retain confirmation of your application. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly by the hiring team for the next steps in the selection process. 

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