Postdoc in Bioinformatics and Machine Learning

Chalmers University of Technology; Göteborgs kommun; On-site; SEK 420,000 - 480,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee benefits

Job summary

Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg invites applications for a research position in the Computational Genomics Research Lab within the Data Science and AI division. The role focuses on advancing understanding of genome evolution and variation through innovative computational methods.

We offer a two-year temporary full-time contract with opportunities to teach at undergraduate/masters level and to supervise students.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree or equivalent must be met by decision date.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Proficient in programming languages such as C++, Python, Rust.
• One high-quality first-author paper (journal or top-tier conference).

Responsibilities

• Perform research studies and publish in conferences and journals.
• Supervise master’s and/or PhD students to some extent.
• Possibility to engage in teaching at undergraduate/master’s level.

Skills

C++

Python

Rust

English communication

Education

Doctoral degree or equivalent

Job description

Are you excited about research at the intersection of genomics and data science? We are looking for a researcher to join our team and contribute to advancing our understanding of genome evolution and variation. The successful candidate will develop innovative methods and models to advance our understanding of genome evolution and variation. The position is based in the Computational Genomics Research (CGR) Lab, within the Data Science and AI division, Gothenburg, Sweden.

About Us

The Department of Computer Science and Engineering, a joint department of Chalmers and the University of Gothenburg, spans the breadth of computing disciplines. Our internationally visible research, strong industry links and diverse environment create a collaborative setting where ideas grow into real impact. At the division of Data Science and AI, we develop data-driven methods and AI solutions that support intelligent decisions across society, advancing machine learning techniques, from foundations to industrial and scientific applications.

The CGR lab conducts research at the cutting edge of computational biology and bioinformatics. We aim to understand human genome variation and evolution across different genomic regions by developing interpretable and efficient methods in comparative pangenomics, leveraging machine learning methods, statistical analysis and efficient algorithm and data structures.

About The Research Project

We are open to discussing research projects based on the candidate’s strengths. Alternatively, you can choose one of the three projects below.

Research project 1

Only 2% of the human genome sequence codes for proteins, while most of it consists of noncoding sequences, including regulatory factor binding regions, transposable elements, pseudogenes, conserved elements, and regulatory RNAs. These sequences have important roles in gene expression, cellular function, and development. Pangenomes are collections of genome sequences from one or several species, represented as a set of raw sequences, graphs, or sequence alignments. In this project, we will conduct a comparative study of noncoding genomic regions. You should have expertise in algorithm design and high-performance computing, particularly in the theory of efficient string and data structures, sequence indexing, and large-scale data analysis. Experience with the Burrows-Wheeler transform, pattern matching, and sequence alignment methods is a plus. You will focus on developing efficient indexing methods for the analysis of large-scale DNA sequence data.

Research project 2

This interdisciplinary project focuses on studying genetic variation and determining how different variants co-occur on the same paternal or maternal haplotype, a process known as haplotype phasing. We have previously developed methods for haplotype phasing in humans and other species. In this project, we aim to develop machine learning models to advance the characterization of genetic variations.

Research project 3

De novo genes are genes that arise from previously non-coding DNA rather than being inherited from an existing gene during the course of evolution. They are important because they can introduce new functions and contribute to the evolution and adaptation of organisms. We will develop methods to study how de novo genes evolve in eukaryotes.

Who We Are Looking For

We are looking for someone who is passionate about advancing our understanding of biological systems through the development of computational methods and who enjoys working with biological data.

The Following Requirements Are Mandatory

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
• Proficient in a programming language (C++, Python, Rust, ...)
• One high-quality first-author paper (journal or top-tier conference)

You are expected to be somewhat accustomed to teaching, and to demonstrate good potential within research and education.

The Following Experience Will Strengthen Your Application

• It is highly meritorious if the doctoral degree has been obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline

What You Will Do

• Perform research studies and publish in conferences and journals
• Supervise master’s and/or PhD students to a certain extent
• Possibility to engage in teaching at undergraduate/master’s level

The position is meritorious for future roles in academia, industry, or the public sector.

Contract terms

The position is a temporary full-time employment for two years.

The position requires physical presence throughout the entire employment. A valid residence permit must be presented by the start date, otherwise the offer may be withdrawn.

What We Offer

• As a postdoc at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about working at Chalmers and ourbenefits for employees.
• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.
• Read more about Sweden’s generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare etc at Move To Gothenburg.

Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence. We celebrate diversity and consider equality and inclusion as fundamental aspects of all our activities.

If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.

Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.

Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez - forward.