Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants
This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.
POSITION SPECIFICS
Postdoctoral Scholar (Machine Learning or Artificial Intelligence in Molecular and Cellular Biology)
The National Synthesis Center for Emergence in the Molecular and Cellular Sciences (NCEMS) at Penn State University ( ncems.psu.edu) seeks an outstanding scientist to fill a Postdoctoral Scholar position in Machine Learning or Artificial Intelligence housed within the Huck Institutes of Life Sciences at Penn State University.
NCEMS is an NSF-funded interdisciplinary research center positioned at the interface of data science, molecular and cellular biology, and quantitative physical sciences. The Center provides leadership in the integration of diverse, publicly available datasets to gain insights into emergent phenomena in molecular and cellular biology.
About the Position
The successful candidate, in collaboration with faculty and research staff at NCEMS, will conduct original research applying machine learning, artificial intelligence, computer science, statistical learning, or related computational approaches to problems in molecular and cellular biology. Research may involve large-scale public datasets, biological data harmonization, representation learning, predictive modeling, foundation models, network analysis, graph-based learning, uncertainty quantification, scientific machine learning, or interpretable AI.
This position is full time, on-site at the Penn State University Park campus. This position does not permit remote work. This is a term appointment funded for one year from the date of hire, with an excellent chance for renewal based upon mutual agreement.
Requirements
A PhD in Computer Science, Data Science or a closely related field is required. The successful candidate will have a strong foundation in machine learning, artificial intelligence, statistical learning, scientific computing, data science, or related computational approaches. Candidates must have experience developing or implementing machine learning methods for large-scale data analysis, predictive modeling, or biological discovery. Expertise in Python is expected. A demonstrated ability to conduct research and produce scholarly outputs, as evidenced by publications in peer-reviewed journals. Familiarity with molecular and cellular biology concepts is also desirable. Candidates must be independent self-starters, have a strong work ethic, strong interpersonal and written communication skills, and the ability to work well in a collaborative team environment.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted electronically in a single PDF and should include:
A cover letter
Curriculum vitae (CV)
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
BENEFITS
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.
For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
