Post-Doctoral Fellow - Dept. of Biostatistics

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Job Summary:

The Biostatistics Department at the School of Population Health at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center (MCC) invites applications for a Post-Doctoral Research Position in the development of machine learning and computational algorithms for the analysis of multiplex image-based single-cell spatial biology datasets. This role offers an exciting opportunity to engage in cutting-edge AI research at the forefront of spatial biology, working closely with a multi-institution research team. Key collaborators include Dr. Jinze Liu at VCU, specializing in Computational Genomics; Dr. Yifan Pan at Weill Cornell Medicine, with expertise in Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Imaging; and Dr. Kevin Matthew Byrd at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, focusing on Pathology and Single Cell Spatial Omics.

The successful candidate will contribute to advancing the field of spatial biology through the development and implementation of innovative machine learning and computational algorithms tailored to the analysis of complex single-cell spatial datasets. Collaboration with experts in genomics, imaging, pathology, and omics data analysis will provide a rich interdisciplinary environment for research and learning.

Position Overview:

As a Post-Doctoral Researcher, the candidate will lead and drive spatial (multi-)omics method development and play a crucial role in methodology innovation and data interpretation. He/She will have the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research developing scalable image and/or graph-based deep learning capable of identifying disease biomarkers for patient stratification and precision medicine. He/she will work closely with a collaborative team of researchers with expertise in computer science, biostatistics and cancer biology to develop novel methodologies and algorithms aimed at unraveling the complexities of single-cell spatial biology datasets and elucidating its impact on disease diagnosis and therapeutic options.

Core Responsibilities:

• Develop computational and machine learning algorithms tailored to analyze multiplex image-based single-cell spatial biology datasets
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to integrate computational methods with biological insights
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Biomedical Informatics, or a related field
• Strong background in machine learning, computational biology, and image analysis
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and R
• Experience with deep learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch) is preferred
• Experience with bioinformatics and single cell biology
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment
• Must have a demonstrated commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in past experiences or a commitment to do so as a Post-Doctoral Fellow at VCU

Why Join Us?

• Collaborative and inclusive research environment
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement
• Located in the vibrant city of Richmond, Virginia, offering a high quality of life with a rich cultural scene and outdoor recreational activities

This is a restricted position with no set end date and continued employment is dependent upon project need, availability of funding, and performance.

The School of Population Health continuously strives for our workplace and learning environment
to reflect the demographic and social milieu of the communities we serve. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

ORP Eligible: Yes

VCU is committed to hiring veterans! VCU will include a veteran's period(s) of military service in the calculation of their annual leave accrual rate. This may provide veterans with an increased leave accrual!