Postdoctoral Associate

Postdoctoral Associate

A postdoctoral research associate (computational biology and bioinformatics area) position is open at Duke University School of Medicine in the lab of Dr. Yi Zhang starting Mar 2026 or later. The ideal candidate will develop novel machine learning and artificial intelligence (ML/AI) methods for genomics data, especially: large-scale single-cell genomics data, high-definition spatial genomics, digital pathology data, and apply the computational methods to understand biomedical problems like tumor microenvironment, immunology, and aging.

The individual will work with Dr. Yi Zhang to develop computational methods and collaborate with Dr. Tianlong Chen at Department of Computer Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH), and/or with other groups in quantitative genomics areas in and outside Duke University. The postdoc candidate will join a highly collaborative team to develop ML/AI x genomics methodology, publish in top Comp Bio/CS conferences and high impact journals, and obtain training on career development in a supportive environment.

Preferred qualifications:

• PhD to expect in one year, or PhD completed in the last 1-3 years, in a quantitative discipline, such as Computational Biology, Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Data science, Physics, Mathematics, Bioinformatics etc;
  Candidates with multidisciplinary backgrounds are welcome.
• Strong skills in computational and data analytical methodology development and implementation; experience in machine learning and deep learning models, and willingness to learn about new methods, is a plus.
• Strong programming skills in Python, and Linux Shell; experience in developing methods as open source repositories at e.g. Git Hub is a plus.
• Strong motivation and interest to analyze genomics data and interpret biomedicine from data; experience in single-cell and spatial omics is a plus.
• Strong communication skills including writing, publishing, and presenting research at journal articles and conferences; proven track record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals as major author; willingness to collaborate in a multidisciplinary research environment.

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status. Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes.

To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values. Essential Physical

Job Functions:

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