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

SciLifeLab Group; Solna kommun; On-site; SEK 433,322 - 649,983; Full time

Job summary

SciLifeLab Group is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in AI Modeling of Cellular Dynamics in Solna, Sweden. This role focuses on developing next-generation AI models for cellular dynamics, requiring significant independence and collaboration within a diverse group of researchers.

The ideal candidate will have a PhD in a relevant field and strong programming skills in Python. Join us at the forefront of precision medicine and contribute to groundbreaking research.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field such as physics, systems biology, or machine learning.
• Strong programming skills, especially in Python.
• Ability to work independently and in teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop next-generation AI models of cellular dynamics.
• Integrate spatial imaging data with time-resolved molecular measurements.
• Work on method development for scalable neural network architectures.

Skills

Programming skills in Python

Experience with modern ML frameworks

Independent research ability

Collaboration in interdisciplinary environments

Strong proficiency in English

Experience with complex systems

Physics-informed machine learning

Dynamical systems experience

Background in multiscale modelling

Generative modelling familiarity

Education

PhD in physics, systems biology, 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 AI Cell 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 behaviour. 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 modelling efforts within Alpha Cell. The position offers substantial methodological independence.

Required qualifications

• PhD in a field such as 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 modelling, coarse‑graining, or non‑equilibrium systems
• Experience with generative modelling 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.

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

Location

Solna, Sweden

Type of employment

Temporary position; full time; first day of employment: according to agreement; salary: monthly salary; full‑time equivalent: 100%; city: Solna; county: Sweden.