HMS - Postdoctoral Fellow in Zitnik Lab

Harvard University; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvard University in Boston, MA invites applications for a postdoctoral fellow in the Zitnik lab. The work centers on generative, multimodal and agentic AI, with foundation models, geometric deep learning, and large language models for scientific discovery and precision medicine.

Ideal candidates have a Ph.D. or MD/PhD and a strong publication record in ML/AI. Experience with multi-GPU training, large-scale inference, and practical AI environments is required.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or MD/Ph.D. in ML/CS or related field.
• Excellent programming skills with leading ML frameworks and multi-GPU training.

Responsibilities

• Lead research in generative, multimodal, and agentic AI.
• Apply methods to challenges in biology and medicine.
• Publish findings in top ML/AI conferences or journals.

Skills

Machine learning

GPUs

Python

Research

Education

Ph.D. or MD/Ph.D.

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Job description

We invite applicants for a postdoctoral fellow position in the Zitnik lab at Harvard Medical School in Boston Massachusetts. The work of the Zitnik lab is focused on Artificial Intelligence for Medicine and Science.

The selected candidates will lead research in generative, multimodal, and agentic AI, as well as foundation models, with a focus on geometric deep learning, large-scale knowledge graphs, and large language models. Fellows will also have the opportunity to apply these methods to address challenges in scientific discovery and precision medicine.

We seek highly-motivated applicants with background in one or more of the following areas: agentic AI, geometric deep learning, large-scale knowledge graphs, large language models, multimodal learning, and generative AI. Successful applicants will be strong technically as well as have an inclination towards real-world problems. Ideal candidates will have demonstrably strong research skills, evidenced by multiple publications in top-tier machine learning or artificial intelligence conferences and/or leading scientific journals.

Salary and Benefits

This position is salaried and benefits eligible. Information regarding postdoctoral fellow salary, which is determined by the number of years post PhD, and benefits can be found at https://postdoc.hms.harvard.edu/guidelines .

With this appointment, you are represented by the Harvard Academic Workers ( HAW ) – UAW for purposes of collective bargaining and matters affecting your compensation and working conditions.

Basic Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in areas such as machine learning, computer science or closely related field.
  Excellent programming skills and practical experience with leading machine learning frameworks and modern AI environments, including multi- GPU model training and large-scale inference on dozens to hundreds GPUs, are required.

Additional Qualifications

Experience in applications of AI to biology and medicine is a strong plus.

Special Instructions

The position is available immediately and can be renewed annually. Interested applicants should submit the following documents via email to Prof. Zitnik and use the subject line “Postdoctoral Research Fellows in Generative, Multimodal, and Agentic AI”:

• Curriculum Vitae (include links to your academic webpage and GitHub repositories for methods you developed)
• Three representative publications (preprints are acceptable)
• Statement of research (two pages) describing prior research experience and future research plan
• Contacts for three letters of recommendation (the letters will be solicited after the initial review)

We are currently reviewing applications. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications early.

With this appointment, you are represented by the Harvard Academic Workers ( HAW ) – UAW for purposes of collective bargaining and matters affecting your compensation and working conditions.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, sex, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university’s non-discrimination policy.

Contact Information

Heather Viana
10 Shattuck St.
Boston, MA 02115

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard’s academic purposes. Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university’s non-discrimination policy. Harvard’s equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

Supplemental Questions

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