Postdoctoral Researcher in AI Modeling of Cellular Dynamics, Alpha Cell Program

Karlstad University; Solna kommun; On-site; SEK 487,487 - 649,983; Full time

Job summary

Karlstad University is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in AI Modeling of Cellular Dynamics as part of the Alpha Cell Program. This position emphasizes method development to create scalable neural-network architectures representing molecular compositions at the cellular level.

Ideal candidates will hold a PhD in relevant fields and possess strong programming skills, proficiency in English, and an ability to work independently. The role offers significant methodological independence and collaboration with diverse professionals.

Qualifications

• PhD or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a Swedish PhD.
• Completed doctoral degree within the last three years is advantageous.
• Prior biological experience is not required.

Responsibilities

• Develop next-generation AI models of cellular dynamics.
• Integrate spatial imaging data with time-resolved molecular measurements.
• Collaborate closely within the Alpha Cell program.

Skills

Strong programming skills (e.g., Python)

Experience with modern ML frameworks

Ability to conduct independent research

Collaborate in an interdisciplinary environment

Proficiency in written and spoken English

Experience with complex or high-dimensional systems

Physics-informed or constraint-based machine learning

Experience with dynamical systems

Background in multiscale modeling

Familiarity with biological data

Education

PhD in physics, systems biology, applied mathematics, or related fields

Job description

Postdoctoral Researcher in AI Modeling of Cellular Dynamics, Alpha Cell Program

Alpha Cell is a new SciLifeLab strategic 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.

This position is embedded in Avlant Nilsson’s research group at Karolinska Institutet and SciLifeLab. Our lab develops deep learning models of molecular networks in cancer to advance precision medicine. By integrating high‑throughput data (e.g., transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics) with prior knowledge of molecular interactions, we construct interpretable models that capture system‑level mechanisms in cells to enable the identification of drug targets, biomarkers, and resistance mechanisms.

The project is carried out in close collaboration with Wei Ouyang’s AICell Lab at KTH and SciLifeLab, and the Human Protein Atlas, and has access to state-of-the-art computational infrastructure, including the Berzelius supercomputer.

Your mission

The emphasis of the position is method development. We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to develop next‑generation AI models of cellular dynamics, with a focus on scalable neural‑network architectures that represent the molecular composition of a single cell in space and time. These models will describe high‑dimensional systems with many interacting components and may use multiscale and coarse‑grained representations to enable scalability.

The work will draw on concepts from dynamical systems, stochastic processes, and stochastic differential equations (SDEs), including nonequilibrium systems, to model cellular behavior. A central goal is to integrate spatial imaging data with time‑resolved molecular measurements, while incorporating physical and biological constraints directly into the model architectures.

The developed methods will form the foundation for future large‑scale molecular imaging and modeling efforts within Alpha Cell. The position offers substantial methodological independence.

Your profile

To be eligible for employment as a postdoctoral researcher, a PhD or a foreign degree deemed to be equivalent to a Swedish PhD is required. This eligibility requirement must be fulfilled at the latest at the time of the employment decision. Completion of your doctoral degree within the last three years is considered an advantage. If there are special reasons, your degree may have been completed earlier.

Required qualifications

• PhD in physics, systems biology, applied mathematics, machine learning, or related fields.
• Strong programming skills (e.g., Python) and experience with modern ML frameworks.
• Ability to conduct independent research and collaborate in an interdisciplinary environment.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Experience working with complex or high‑dimensional systems.
• Experience with physics‑informed or constraint‑based machine learning (e.g., neural ODEs, energy‑based models).
• Experience with dynamical systems, stochastic processes, or SDEs.
• Background in multiscale modeling, coarse‑graining, or non‑equilibrium systems.
• Experience with generative modeling or partially observed systems.
• Familiarity with biological data (e.g., imaging, proteomics, single‑cell data).

Prior biological experience is not required. We particularly encourage applicants from quantitative disciplines.

Diversity and inclusion

Our lab values diversity and inclusion and strives to create an environment where all individuals can contribute and thrive.

Location

Solna, Sweden.

Contact

• Avlant Nilsson, [e-mail]
• Björn Andersson, SACO, [e-mail]
• Elizabeth Valenzuela, SEKO, [e-mail]
• Bodil Moberg, OFR, [e-mail]