Post-Doctoral Associate in AI for Genetics

MedStar Health; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 62,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading health research institution is seeking a full-time Post-Doctoral Associate in biostatistics and health data science. The role involves developing and implementing genomic applications to advance understanding of genetic contributions to diseases such as Alzheimer’s. This position offers extensive professional development in AI for science, high-impact research opportunities, and mentorship for an independent research career, hosted at their Twin Cities campus.

Benefits

Flexible work environment

Access to state-of-the-art computational infrastructure

Professional development opportunities

Mentorship support for career development

Competitive wages and generous time off

Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• Must have a PhD degree in a relevant field.
• Experience in statistical genetics or deep learning is essential.
• Candidates should be capable of rapid learning and independent research.

Responsibilities

• Develop and fine-tune DNA sequence/genomic/omic large language models.
• Identify causal genes for Alzheimer's disease (AD).
• Work with advanced computational infrastructure and large-scale biobank data.

Skills

Strong computing/programming skills

Communication skills

Ability to quickly learn new technologies

Research experience in statistical genetics

Knowledge of deep learning/AI

Education

PhD in Biostatistics, Statistics, Computer Science, or related field

Job description

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Job ID

368882

Location

Twin Cities

Job Family

Academic

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

Job Code

9546

Employee Class

Acad Prof and Admin

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About the Job

The School of Public Health Division of Biostatistics and Health Data Science (BHDS) is seeking applications for up to two full-time Post-Doctoral Associate (9546 Post-Doctoral Associate) position. For more info on the division, visit http://www.sph.umn.edu/academics/divisions/biostatistics/.

The School of Public Health (SPH) is committed to equity in our mission and operations. In pursuit of this goal, we consider an individual's record working with students and colleagues from historically marginalized backgrounds and experience identifying and eliminating systemic barriers to academic success. Because the SPH and the Division seek to increase the diversity of its faculty and staff, we particularly encourage applications from those who belong to groups that have been historically underrepresented in our discipline, including those who are Black, Indigenous, and people of color, those with disabilities, those who are first generation, veterans, and those from 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

The Post-Doc will work with Dr. Wei Pan (https://directory.sph.umn.edu/bio/sph-a-z/wei-pan or http://www.biostat.umn.edu/~weip/),and his collaborators in or outside the University of Minnesota. This position places you at the forefront of the transformative AI for Science, with a particular focus on developing, implementing and fine-tuning DNA sequence/genomic/omic large language models (gLLMs) with their applications to genetics, e.g. in identifying causal genes for Alzheimer's disease (AD). You will have access to state-of-the-art computational infrastructure such as A100 and H100 GPUs, combined with pre-processed large-scale biobank data such as UK Biobank and ADSP, enabling you to work at the scale required for breakthrough research. The role offers exceptional opportunities for professional development, including learning the latest advancements in large language models, translating these innovations to genomic applications, and leading manuscript preparation for high-impact journals. Additionally, you will receive mentorship and support in developing and launching your own independent research career.

Our group has been fortunate in the last 20+ years securing NIH funding with former members having successfully transitioned to faculty or industrial leadership positions at leading institutions/companies across the United States. This position provides a clear trajectory toward establishing yourself as a leader in this rapidly emerging field, with strong preparation for successful academic or industry research careers.

Duration: This appointment is for 1 year, may be extended for a second and/or third year depending on satisfactory performance and funding availability.

Starting Date: Negotiable. Position will remain open until filled.

Annual Salary: Based on NIH NRSA postdoctoral stipend levels.
* Postdoc No Experience: $62,232
* Postdoc 1 year of Experience: $62,652
* Postdoc 2 years of Experience: $63,120

Work Arrangements: The University of Minnesota endorses a "Work. With Flexibility." and we offer a flexible work environment that meets the needs of our students, faculty, staff, and partners we serve. Work arrangements will be discussed during the interview. Onsite location: University Office Plaza, 2221 University Ave SE, Minneapolis, Twin Cities Campus - East-bank. The successful candidate is expected to have access to a reliable internet connection for duties undertaken remotely.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

A PhD degree in Biostatistics, Statistics, Computer Science or a related field who possess STRONG computing/programming and communication skills.

Essential qualifications include the ability to quickly learn new things and work independently, open minded, along with previous research experience in at least one of the following areas:

1) statistical genetics/genomics/omics, or
2) deep learning/AI. Most importantly, we value candidates who demonstrate both the ability and drive to rapidly learn and implement recent advances in AI.

About the Department

The University of Minnesota School of Public Health improves the health and wellbeing of populations and communities around the world by bringing innovative research, learning, and concrete actions to today's biggest health challenges. SPH includes four academic divisions and 29 internationally recognized centers and is home to roughly 1,025 students, 130 tenured/tenure-track and contract faculty, and 450 staff. SPH is a research powerhouse: #1 level of research funding per capita at UMN, #3 largest research portfolio at the UMN, #2 NIH funding among UMN schools and colleges, and $1.1M average grant funding per faculty member. The school is ranked nationally by the U.S. News & World Report, #6 public school of public health, and offers more than 20 leading master's, doctoral, and certificate programs, with its Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program ranked #2 and its Biostatistics program ranked #9.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: Annual Salary: Based on NIH NRSA postdoctoral stipend levels, depending on education/qualifications/experience
* Postdoc No Experience: $62,232
* Postdoc 1 year of Experience: $62,652
* Postdoc 2 years of Experience: $63,120

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

How To Apply

Please note: At this time, the University's employment site is limited in how it collects applicant demographic information. Applicants are encouraged to provide their pronouns and/or preferred name within their attached application materials.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a CV.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [e-mail] or call [phone].

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).