Opportunities

Position Description 

A Postdoctoral Fellow position in social science genomics is available with Sara Hart, Canada Excellence Research Chair in Developmental Science and Professor of Psychology, in the Hart Lab in the Department of Psychology at the University of Waterloo. This position is funded through a federally supported research program investigating how reading ability is transmitted across generations through genetic and cultural pathways. 

The project uses whole genome sequencing data collected from child twin pairs and their parents in the National Project on Achievement in Twins (NatPAT; see Hart et al., 2026 in Twin Research and Human Genetics for project information) alongside longitudinal reading assessments and home literacy survey data. The core analytical work involves computing polygenic scores (PGS) for educational attainment, dyslexia, and reading-related language ability, and integrating these into structural equation modeling frameworks (SEM-PGS) designed to disentangle genetic transmission from cultural environmental transmission of reading skill across development. 

The successful candidate will lead the genomic data processing and PGS computation pipeline. The postdoc will also contribute to SEM-PGS analyses and manuscript writing and will be embedded in an interdisciplinary team of developmental scientists, geneticists, quantitative methodologists, and reading researchers at University of Waterloo, Yale University, Brock University, Florida State University, and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

Required Qualifications 

• PhD in bioinformatics, statistical genetics, human genomics, biostatistics, or a closely related quantitative field. A PhD in behavioral sciences like Psychology with extensive quantitative methods experience and genetics knowledge will be considered as well.  

• Demonstrated experience with GWAS pipelines and whole genome or SNP array data processing (e.g., bwa-mem, GATK, PLINK) 

• Proficiency in polygenic score computation methods (e.g., PRSice, LDpred, LDpred2) 

• Strong scripting skills in R and/or Python 

Desirable Qualifications 

• Experience with structural equation modeling software (Mplus, lavaan, OpenMx) 

• Interest in behavioral or developmental science, reading development, or educational research 

• Commitment to open science practices (preregistration, data sharing, reproducible workflows) 

Candidates with deep statistical training but limited background in developmental or behavioral science or even quantitative genetics are still encouraged to apply. Disciplinary vocabulary is readily acquired, and the core analytic skill set is what matters most for this role.

Research Environment 

The Hart Lab is committed to rigorous, open science and to a collaborative, inclusive research environment. The University of Waterloo is home to world-class researchers in statistics, biostatistics, and quantitative methods, and opportunities for engagement or co-mentorship with that community are available. This position is part of a broader effort to build Canadian capacity in social science genomics, and the postdoc will receive training across multiple domains including SEM, developmental science, team science, and knowledge mobilization. At least some in-person engagement will be expected.  

Terms 

The position offers a salary of $70,000 CAD per year. The start date is negotiable, but the hope is to fill the position by the end of summer 2026. Initial appointment is for one year, with renewal contingent on satisfactory progress and funding, up to three years.

How to Apply 

Interested applicants should send a curriculum vitae, cover letter, a brief statement of research interests and relevant experience (1–2 pages), and contact information for three references to Prof. Sara Hart at s4hart@uwaterloo.ca. Review of applications will begin April 20, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. The Hart lab is committed to equity, diversity, access, and inclusion.