Research Specialist

Research Specialist

The research specialist will work in the Mathieson lab in the Department of Biology, which focuses on developing machine learning and graph-based algorithms for genetic data. The specific project involves understanding the unique evolutionary histories of diverse populations, both in humans and other species. The research specialist will help develop a machine learning framework that accurately captures the features of genetic data from any population.

Specifically, we will focus on human and mosquito data from a variety of geographic locations. The research specialist will be responsible for making these frameworks and algorithms publicly available and well-documented. They will then use this framework to understand mutation, recombination, and selection. This will give us a better understanding of evolution at the genetic level as well as predictions about future interactions between humans and mosquitoes.

Applicants should have experience with machine language tools (Tensor Flow or PyTorch required) and strong organizational and communication skills. There will be opportunities to publish research papers, travel to conferences, give scientific talks, and mentor junior lab members. This is a term appointment for one year, ending July 31, 2027.

• Conduct computational experiments
• Algorithm development using genetic data from human and mosquito populations
• Analysis and visualization of results
• Help maintain computational resources in the Mathieson lab
• Communicate work through manuscripts, talks, and posters
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

• Bachelor of Science and 0 to 1 year of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Major in Computer Science or related field.
• Experience with machine learning software, such as Tensor Flow or PyTorch, is required.
• Experience creating visualizations or results as well as manuscript writing preferred.
• Experience with Unix/Linux systems and system administration.
• Ability to work independently.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

School of Arts and Sciences

Pay Range

$45,278.00 - $50,000.00 Annual Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job's level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.