The Koo Lab at the Simons Center for Quantitative Biology at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory is looking to hire an ambitious and self-directed postdoctoral fellow at the intersection of machine learning and genomics.
Potential projects include:
1) Bridge the conceptual divide between flexible deep neural network models and prior biological knowledge of gene regulation by advancing the design concepts to provide an inductive bias towards biophysically meaningful interactions.
2) Develop cutting edge model interpretability tools to distill knowledge learned by high performing deep neural networks.
The Koo Lab studies the functional impact of genomic mutations through a computational lens using data-driven machine learning solutions. We are broadly interested in applications for studying gene regulation and protein (dys)function. Our approach develops methods to interpret high-performing deep learning models to distill knowledge that they learn from big, noisy biological sequence data. Our goal is to elucidate biological mechanisms that underly sequence-function relationships, with a broader aim of advancing precision medicine for complex diseases, including cancer. (For more info: http://koolab.cshl.edu/)
The Koo Lab is situated in the Simons Center for Quantitative Biology at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL). The Simons Center is a closely-knit community of researchers that study diverse topics in genomics, evolution, biophysics, immunology, and neuroscience. Members also benefit from easy access to CSHL’s vibrant Meetings and Courses program, which hosts leading conferences in many biological disciplines. CSHL is located on the north shore of Long Island and is readily accessible from New York City via the Long Island Railroad.
Environment
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory is a world-renowned biomedical research institution in New York. It has shaped contemporary biomedical research and is the home of eight Nobel Prize laureates. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory provides a highly dynamic and interactive research environment and also a unique opportunity of timely exposure to advances in various biomedical research fields and of interaction with a broad range of researchers from all over the world through its renowned Meetings and Courses program.
We believe that science is for everyone. We have had researchers with a variety of backgrounds and believe in the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Qualifications: Candidate must have (or expect to soon receive) a PhD in a quantitative field (i.e. Computational Biology, Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Biophysics, or related discipline).; possess a strong publication record with one or more first-author research publications/pre-prints in the field of quantitative biology or machine learning (broadly defined); strong written and oral communication skills; strong knowledge of Python programming; familiarity with DL frameworks (i.e. TensorFlow, PyTorch, and JAX) is a plus; familiarity with one or more of the following concepts: language models, explainable AI, robust ML, causal inference, fairness, active and lifelong learning is a plus, but not required. Prior experience in both machine learning and genomics is desirable, but expertise in one and sufficient enthusiasm to learn the other can replace lack of experience.
To apply: Interested candidates should email Peter Koo (koo@cshl.edu) with a cover letter, CV and contact information for two individuals who can provide letters of reference upon request. In addition, please apply via the CSHL careers website at https://cshl.peopleadmin.com/postings/20251 Position ID 03317-R.
Candidates from non-traditional and/or underrepresented backgrounds, broadly defined, are strongly encouraged to apply.
Compensation and Benefits
Our employees are compensated in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, paid time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our CSHL Benefits & Postdoctoral Landing sites to learn more.
You are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 as a condition to your employment at the Laboratory. You will be required to provide proof of your vaccination on your first day of employment. For those individuals, who are unable to receive a vaccine due to access issues, they will be expected to receive the vaccine upon arrival in New York.
CSHL is an EO/AA Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or protected veteran status. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
