Temporary Research Associate

Essential Job Duties

As a “Temp Research Associate” in the Sozzani Lab, your primary responsibilities will revolve around applying computational biology techniques to address key challenges in plant biology and agriculture. You will be tasked with developing and implementing novel algorithms and models to analyze complex biological data sets, such as genomic, physiological, environmental, and agronomic data. You will work within an interdisciplinary team to interpret results, generate actionable insights, and contribute to the advancement of plant science research.

This role presents a chance to utilize your proficiency in both molecular and computational biology to make substantial impacts within the domain of plant sciences. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in machine learning, genomics, exploratory data analysis, computational biology, and molecular biology. Moreover, proficiency in programming languages and tools such as Python, R, MATLAB, and Julia will be essential for success in this role.

Proficiency with High Performance Computing (HPC), CUDA, and Linux-based servers is a prerequisite.

• Relevant Master’s degree, or Relevant Bachelor’s and 3 or more years of relevant experience, relevant independent experience and education

• Proficiency in machine learning techniques, including supervised, unsupervised, and self‑supervised learning, deep learning, and statistical modeling, as applied to biological systems.
• Proficiency in dynamic modeling techniques such as ordinary or delay differential equation models of molecular‑scale biological phenomena.
• Strong programming skills in Python, R, and Julia, with experience in data augmentation, visualization, and analysis.
• Familiarity with software tools and frameworks commonly used in bioinformatics and computational biology (e.g., PyTorch, Tensor Flow, SciML, ggplot2, scikit‑learn, cufflinks, version control software such as Git).
• Application of data science methodologies across diverse use cases.
• Understanding of plant biology and familiarity with relevant biological data types.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams and communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated problem‑solving abilities and a track record of delivering high‑quality research outcomes.
• Prior experience with standard molecular biology research techniques such as PCR, plasmid and primer design, bacterial cloning, Agrobacterium‑mediated plant transformation, DNA and protein gel electrophoresis.

• Doctoral degree in genetics, molecular biology, computational biology, or a related field, with a focus on molecular plant biology, bioinformatics, and phytohormone biology.
• 4+ years of experience as a postdoctoral scholar
• Experience mentoring graduate and undergraduate student researchers
• Experience with cloud computing platforms, GPU‑based computation, and distributed computing frameworks for scalable data analysis.
• Experience with eXplainable AI (XAI) methods for visualization of deep‑learning based neural network models, e.g. LIME and SHAP
• Experience with Simulation Based Inference techniques and their application to molecular plant biology.
• Strong publication record in relevant peer‑reviewed journals and conferences.
• History of professional service activities as a postdoctoral scholar.
• History of presenting scientific results at plant science conferences
• Experience designing and/or delivering scientific outreach presentations intended for all ages general audiences.

• Health Insurance for Temporary Employees
• Enhance your career with LEAD courses
• Attend non‑revenue generating sporting events for free

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability‑related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919‑513‑0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515‑2135 or workatncstate. Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit. NC State University participates in E‑Verify.

Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.