Recruit
Postdoctoral Scholar/Researcher
Position overview
Position title: Postdoctoral ScholarApplication Window
Open date: June 25, 2026
Next review date: Friday, Jul 10, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Friday, Jul 10, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date.
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 randomisation 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
• 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
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Statement of Research
Reference check authorization release form - Complete and upload the reference check authorization release form
UCLA Mission Statement - As the nation's premier public research university, UC's mission is the creation, dissemination, preservation and application of knowledge for the betterment of our global society. We have a particular responsibility to the people of California which we express in the excellence of the education we provide, the impact of the research we do, the comprehensive, life-saving medical services we provide, and the public service mission we are devoted to. The University of California promotes the social mobility of its students, equips them with the tools and experience that furthers their ambitions, and regards their accomplishments across the life span as evidence of the profoundly positive impact of higher education.
The UCLA campus has expressed these goals in its strategic plan as follows:
Deepen our engagement with Los Angeles
Expand our reach as a global university
Enhance our research and creative activities
Elevate how we teach
Become a more effective institutionPrompt for candidates for recruitment:
Reflecting on your personal and professional experiences, highlight your past contributions and future commitments to advancing UCLA's mission as embodied in the 2023-28 strategic plan. These accomplishments and ambitions may be discussed in the context of describing your teaching, scholarship, and service
- 2-3 letters of reference required
Letters of recommendation will be required and reviewed as part of the complete application.
Help contact: alexander.young@anderson.ucla.edu
About UCLA
As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.
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.
- “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
- UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
- UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
- APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment