Postdoc in Biological Data Systems, Alpha Cell Program

Karlstad University; Stockholms kommun; On-site; SEK 454,988 - 595,818; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Good working conditions

Attractive benefits

Job summary

Karlstad University is hiring a Postdoc in Biological Data Systems for the Alpha Cell Program. The role involves developing scalable data infrastructures and integrating biological datasets into AI-ready frameworks, collaborating with top researchers at KTH and SciLifeLab.

The ideal candidate will have a doctoral degree involving bioinformatics or computational biology, along with strong programming skills. This full-time temporary position offers a competitive monthly salary in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree must be obtained by employment decision date.
• Rich experience with open databases and bioinformatic tools.
• Ability to use AI-assisted coding tools effectively.

Responsibilities

• Develop scalable data infrastructure for large biological datasets.
• Identify and structure biological datasets into AI-ready frameworks.
• Collaborate with researchers to enhance data integration.

Skills

Strong programming skills for developing computational tools

Experience working with large heterogeneous datasets

Strong understanding of biological datasets

Communication and collaboration skills

Education

Doctoral degree in bioinformatics, computational biology, or related field

Tools

Bioinformatic tools and services

Python

Job description

Postdoc in Biological Data Systems, Alpha Cell Program

Alpha Cell is a new SciLifeLab program aimed at building the first molecular-level computational model of the human cell. The program is led by Jan Ellenberg, Director of SciLifeLab and Mathias Ulhen, Director of the Human Protein Atlas, together with a collaborative, multi‑institutional constellation of SciLifeLab researchers and infrastructure units.

The Human Protein Atlas (HPA) is a large-scale international effort to map the spatial distribution of proteins in human cells, tissues and organs using antibody-based imaging, transcriptomics and systems biology approaches. Since its launch, the atlas has generated one of the world’s most comprehensive open resources for spatial molecular biology, comprising millions of images and extensive molecular measurements. All data are released openly and widely used by researchers worldwide.

The Alpha Cell program is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher in Biological Data Systems to develop scalable data infrastructure and computational systems for large biological datasets. The position will be embedded within the Human Protein Atlas at KTH and SciLifeLab. The successful candidate will work closely with the Avlant Nilsson cancer modelling lab and the Wei Ouyang AICell lab who together will develop the first foundation cell model based on HPA and other external large-scale datasets.

The role focuses on establishing the data foundations for the program’s initial modelling efforts by identifying, evaluating, integrating and structuring large biological datasets into scalable, standardised and AI‑ready frameworks for computational modelling. Working in SciLifeLab’s highly interdisciplinary environment, where imaging, molecular data and computational methods are developed in parallel, the postdoc will develop systems and services that make biological data accessible to AI and computational tools, collaborating closely with the HPA team and other researchers to enhance data integration, annotation, structure and accessibility, connect external datasets and support open science and emerging AI-driven workflows.

Qualifications

Requirements

• A doctoral degree in bioinformatics, computational biology or cell biology with a strong computational component, or a closely related field. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
• Strong understanding of biological datasets and data modalities relevant to cell biology, such as imaging, transcriptomics, proteomics or spatial omics.
• Rich experience and track record in using open databases and bioinformatic tools and services.
• Strong programming skills for developing computational tools or data workflows (Python or similar), with good software engineering practice, collaborative development experience (e.g. Git/GitHub) and ability to use AI‑assisted coding tools effectively.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work across experimental, computational and infrastructure‑focused teams.

Preferred qualifications

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline.
• Experience working with large heterogeneous datasets.
• Experience working with biological datasets such as imaging, genomics, proteomics or spatial omics.
• Experience building scalable or automated data processing workflows.
• Experience building APIs or data services for large scientific datasets.
• Familiarity with the Model Context Protocol or similar systems for exposing data to AI tools and agents.
• Experience developing infrastructure for machine learning workflows.
• Experience contributing to open data platforms or large scientific databases.
• Awareness of diversity and equal opportunity issues, with specific focus on gender equality.

Join us at KTH

KTH shapes the future through education, research and innovation. As a leading international technical university, we play an active role in advancing the transition towards a sustainable society. At KTH, you have the opportunity to grow and develop in a creative and dynamic environment, with good working conditions and attractive benefits. Equality, diversity and equal opportunities are essential to quality and form an integral part of KTH’s core values as a university and public authority.

Contact

• Kalle Von Feilitzen, [e-mail]

Employment Details

Type of employment: Temporary position
Contract type: Full time
First day of employment: November 1st or according to agreement
Salary: Monthly salary
Number of positions: 1
Full‑time equivalent: 100%
City: Stockholm
County: Stockholms län
Country: Sweden
Reference number: PA‑2026‑1841

Security Clearance

It may be the case that a position at KTH is classified as a security‑sensitive role in accordance with the Protective Security Act (2018:585). If this applies to the specific position, a security clearance will be conducted for the applicant in accordance with the same law with the applicant’s consent. In such cases, a prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved following the security clearance.

Application Deadline

Last application date: 2026‑08‑03