POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE

Duke Careers • Durham, NC

18d

About The Position

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 (https://yi-zhang-compbio-lab.github.io) to develop computational methods and collaborate with Dr. Tianlong Chen (https://tianlong-chen.github.io/) 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 CompBio/CS conferences and high impact journals, and obtain training on career development in a supportive environment.

Requirements

• 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
• Strong programming skills in Python, and Linux Shell
• Strong motivation and interest to analyze genomics data and interpret biomedicine from data
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in machine learning and deep learning models, and willingness to learn about new methods, is a plus.
• Experience in developing methods as open source repositories at e.g. GitHub is a plus.
• Experience in single-cell and spatial omics is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop novel machine learning and artificial intelligence (ML/AI) methods for genomics data
• Apply the computational methods to understand biomedical problems like tumor microenvironment, immunology, and aging
• Develop computational methods
• 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
• Publish in top CompBio/CS conferences and high impact journals
• Obtain training on career development in a supportive environment

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees