Computing and Mathematical Sciences Division - Postdoctoral Researcher: CryoSTEM Foundation Models

Description

The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a cutting‑edge interdisciplinary project. In this role, you will deeply understand the physics and operation of cryogenic scanning transmission electron (cryoSTEM) microscopes, and apply this understanding to design the architecture of entirely new foundation models, directly advancing the frontier of computational biology and machine learning.

You will also implement parallel systems capable of training such models across large GPU clusters on cryoSTEM datasets in the multi‑terabyte range. This position plays a pivotal role in supporting ongoing, high‑impact research programs within our lab.

Abu Dhabi, UAE

• Dr. Min Xu – Affiliated Associate Professor of Computer Vision, MBZUAI & Associate Professor, Carnegie Mellon University. Dr. Xu directs a dynamic research laboratory focused on computational biology, bioimage informatics, and structural biology. His core scientific research uses computer vision to pioneer new methods for 3D cellular structure analysis and cryo‑electron tomography (cryo‑ET).
• Dr. Qirong Ho – Assistant Professor of Machine Learning and Computer Science, MBZUAI. Dr. Ho specializes in distributed machine learning and systems architecture. His expertise drives the design of robust, parallelized systems required to scale massive biomedical imaging models efficiently over distributed GPU environments.

• Understand CryoSTEM Microscopy:
  Become deeply familiar with the physics and operation of state‑of‑the‑art cryoSTEM microscopes.
• Design Foundation Models:
  Create new model architectures for cryoSTEM data, integrating insights from microscope physics and data pipelines.
• Parallel Model Training:
  Deploy parallel computing systems for training large‑scale cryoSTEM foundation models.
• Project Leadership:
  Manage complex research sub‑projects and ensure research milestones are met.
• Mentorship:
  Guide and mentor graduate students and junior researchers within the lab.
• Academic Output:
  Author high‑impact publications and produce other key deliverables to share findings with the broader scientific community.

• Top‑Tier Compensation:
  Competitive salaries aligned with leading global academic institutions
• Exceptional Benefits:
  • Comprehensive health & life insurance
  • Relocation support for international hires
• Live in Abu Dhabi:
  World’s safest city, year‑round sunshine, rich culture, and modern amenities
• Industry & Government Collaborations:
  Work with top AI researchers, leading tech firms, and policymakers

This position requires a PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Biomedical Imaging, Computational Biology, or a closely related field.

• Research Record: A strong, established track record of publications in computational microscopy, computer vision, or parallel machine learning.
• Adaptability: A demonstrated, strong willingness to learn and bridge the gap into complementary domains required by this project (computational microscopy, computer vision or parallel ML).
• Domain Knowledge:
  Experience working with biomedical imaging is highly preferred, with particular emphasis on electron microscopy (EM) data.
• Communication:
  Excellent analytical, oral, and written communication skills.

• A comprehensive CV, including a complete list of publications.
• A research proposal based on the following microscopy publication:
  Shadow montage and cone‑beam reconstruction in 4D‑STEM tomography. Microscopy and Microanalysis. 2026.
• Contact information for three professional references.
• Name and contact details for three referees (referees will be contacted during the recruitment process to upload their reference letter via Interfolio).