Postdoctoral Researcher - Foundations of a Resilient Microbiome (2 Positions)

UC Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 71,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

UC Santa Barbara's CNSI invites applications for two Postdoctoral Researchers in machine learning and computational modeling. Work identifies pathways linking infant microbiome gut-brain axis to neurodevelopment and Autism Spectrum Disorder within the Wellcome Leap FORM initiative.

Researchers will develop statistical and dynamical models from metabolomic and metagenomic data, integrate AI-driven digital twins approaches, and collaborate across experiments and theory in a multidisciplinary

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Computer Science, Bioengineering, Ecology, or a related field required.
• Excellent statistical and/or causal inference skills.
• Experience with modeling and statistical analysis of metagenomic and metabelomic data.
• Coding fluency in Python for machine learning and statistical analyses.
• Strong background in ecological theory and modeling.
• Experience leading peer-reviewed publications and/or reports.

Skills

Python

Statistical inference

Metagenomic data analysis

Ecological modeling

Publications

Communication & collaboration

Education

PhD in Physics, Computer Science, Bioengineering, Ecology, or related field

Job description

Position overview

Position title: Postdoctoral Researcher-- Foundations of a Resilient Microbiome

Salary range: $71,491-$85,736 annually

Percent time: 100%

Anticipated start: 11/30/26 or later

Position duration: Two years, with the possibility of extension.

Application Window

Open date: October 26, 2026

Next review date: Monday, Nov 9, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Friday, Jan 8, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) California NanoSystems Institute (CNSI) invites applications for two (2) Postdoctoral Research positions in machine learning and computational modeling, focused on identifying pathways involving the gut-brain axis that link the infant microbiome with neurodevelopment and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This project is part of the Wellcome Leap FORM initiative: Foundations of a Resilient Microbiome (Wellcome Leap Form) and involves closed-loop collaborations between experiments, modeling, and lived experiences (Wellcome Leap Awards).

Statistical and dynamical models will be developed based on metabolomic and metagenomic data obtained from experiments conducted in UCSB's ExFAB BioFoundry for Extreme and Exceptional Fungi, Archea, and Bacteria (ExFAB website) in parallel with the modeling effort. Perturbation, dynamic trajectory, stability, and resilience analysis will follow a closed-loop format linking AI and dynamical models with experimental protocols and outcomes. The successful candidate will contribute to this work with freedom to pursue creative interests related to the project. They will have access to the broad multidisciplinary research environment at UCSB, including the REAL AI initiative, which focuses on developing AI-powered digital twins for complex systems, the Departments of Physics, Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology, Psychology and Brain Sciences, the College of Engineering, and the Koegel Autism Center. Link to REAL Al website.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

Applicants must have completed all requirements for a PhD (or equivalent) in Physics, Computer Science, Bioengineering, Ecology, or a related field, except the dissertation, at the time of application.

Additional qualifications

PhD in Physics, Computer Science, Bioengineering, Ecology, or a related field required at the time of appointment.

Preferred qualifications

• Coding fluency in Python for machine learning and statistical analyses.


• Excellent statistical and/or causal inference skills.


• Experience with modeling and statistical analysis of metagenomic and metabelomic data.


• Strong background in ecological theory and modeling.


• Experience leading peer-reviewed publications and/or reports.


• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with an ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.


• Cover Letter


• Statement of Research

Reference requirements

• 3 required (contact information only)

Applicants must provide the names and contact information of their references. The hiring unit will request confidential letters from the references of those applicants who are under serious consideration.

About UC Santa Barbara

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination as defined by the employer.


• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy


• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, students and third parties


• APM - 035: APM: ...

Additionally, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Job location

Santa Barbara, CA