At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead groundbreaking research in AI for biology, developing multimodal foundation models.
- Company: Join a pioneering research institute at the forefront of AI and biological sciences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, collaborative environment, and opportunities for impactful research.
- Other info: Collaborate with top researchers and contribute to high-impact publications.
- Why this job: Shape the future of biological discovery with innovative AI technologies.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields and strong programming skills in Python.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 52560 £ per year.
Main Purpose of the Job
The post holder will conduct primary research in the AI for Biology Group to develop large-scale multimodal foundation models. The role will focus on original AI methods for pretraining, post-training, adaptation and evaluation across biological modalities, including DNA and RNA sequences, genomics, transcriptomics, single-cell and spatial omics, imaging, phenotypic and perturbation data. The aim is to build new AI systems that can represent biological mechanisms across scales and enable experimentally grounded discovery.
The post holder will help build the representation and prediction layer of the Generative Digital Biology programme: models that can connect molecular, regulatory, cellular, tissue and organismal scales, support biological hypothesis generation, and enable downstream experimental design. This will be a highly collaborative role embedded across EI.
Key Relationships
- INTERNAL: Reporting to Professor Ke Li, the post holder will work closely with the AI for Biology Group and collaborate across EI's research programmes, National Bioscience Research Infrastructures and technology platforms.
- EXTERNAL: The post holder will interact with UK and international collaborators in AI, machine learning, computational biology, genomics, single-cell and spatial biology, engineering biology, plant science, human health and therapeutic discovery.
Main Activities & Responsibilities
- Develop original multimodal foundation model architectures for biological data.
- Design and implement large-scale pretraining, post-training, fine-tuning, adaptation and evaluation pipelines for biological AI models.
- Work with EI colleagues to help define AI-ready biological data atlases, metadata standards, model and dataset documentation, and foundation-model-ready benchmarks.
- Build transferable representations that connect molecular, regulatory, cellular, tissue and organismal scales.
- Collaborate with various EI groups to identify biological use cases and translate model outputs into experimentally useful hypotheses or designs.
- Develop benchmark tasks, ablation studies, uncertainty estimates and robustness/generalization analyses.
- Prepare manuscripts and conference papers for leading venues; present findings internally, nationally and internationally.
- Contribute to research proposals, grant applications, open-source software, model cards, dataset documentation and good research practice.
- Any other duties commensurate with the nature of the role.
Person Profile
- Education & Qualifications: PhD (awarded or expected within 6 months) in a related quantitative discipline.
- Specialist Knowledge & Skills: Excellent programming skills in Python and practical experience with deep learning frameworks.
- Experience with large-scale model training, GPU/HPC/cloud computing, Linux, version control and reproducible research workflows.
- Understanding of biological data types such as DNA/RNA sequences, genomics, transcriptomics, etc.
- Demonstrable experience developing or leading foundation-model research in biology or another complex scientific domain.
- Ability to develop and deliver a research direction with limited supervision.
- Evidence of high-quality outputs appropriate to career stage in AI/ML, computational biology, bioinformatics or AI for science.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
(Senior) Postdoctoral Research Scientist - Biological Foundation Models in Norwich employer: The Earlham Institute
The Earlham Institute is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Norwich where innovation meets collaboration. As a Senior Full-Stack Engineer, you will have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that impact biodiversity research while enjoying a supportive culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With access to cutting-edge technology and a commitment to work-life balance, you'll find a rewarding career path that encourages both personal and professional advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land (Senior) Postdoctoral Research Scientist - Biological Foundation Models in Norwich
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at The Earlham Institute, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
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We think you need these skills to ace (Senior) Postdoctoral Research Scientist - Biological Foundation Models in Norwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at The Earlham Institute. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at The Earlham Institute. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Earlham Institute
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at The Earlham Institute. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at The Earlham Institute to drive research projects forward.
