Postdoctoral Associate  

Dr. Sai Zhang’s laboratory (https://sai-zhang.com/ ) at the University of Florida's Department of Epidemiology is accepting applications for a fully-funded postdoctoral associate position. This position, available immediately, focuses on computational genomics, statistical genetics, and machine learning. The overarching goal of the lab is to decipher the molecular basis of complex human diseases and contribute to the development of novel therapeutics through the analysis of extensive biological datasets using machine learning techniques. The successful candidate will be primarily responsible for developing innovative machine learning algorithms to analyze large-scale genetic, single-cell, and spatial genomic data. They will also have the opportunity to work with interdisciplinary teams, including biologists and clinicians, to extract valuable biological insights from model predictions and validate new findings using gene-editing and stem cell technologies, thereby enhancing our understanding of disease mechanisms. Key responsibilities for the postdoctoral associate position include method development, data analysis, manuscript writing, research presentation at conferences, and assistance with grant applications.

UF Epidemiology: The Department of Epidemiology (http://epidemiology.phhp.ufl.edu/ ) is strategically situated within the College of Public Health and Health Professions (PHHP) and the College of Medicine. Faculty members are jointly appointed to create synergies and collective strength, resulting in a competitive research profile and highly trained students who receive exceptional exposure to diverse expertise. Our faculty and students have received numerous national awards in research and mentoring and are committed to excellence in training. The department offers an epidemiology PhD, Master of Science, and concentration in the MPH program. It is also home to two National Institutes of Health Training grants (T32). Faculty members are strongly supported by our college-level instructional design team for course development and delivery and by our research core for grant development and submission.

University of Florida Health Cancer Center (UFHCC): The postdoctoral fellow will also benefit from a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment at UFHCC. It boasts a membership of more than 280 researchers and clinicians from across the UF and UF Health, the Southeast’s most comprehensive academic health center. Postdoctoral training will have excellent support in education and career development from the center’s T32 and UF CTSI KL2 grant designed to prepare trainees for a career in academia.

Additional Information: The University of Florida (www.ufl.edu ) is a comprehensive research-extensive university that includes a full range of academic departments and programs. The College of Public Health and Health Professions (www.phhp.ufl.edu ) is part of the University’s Health Science Center.  The UF Health Science Center (https://ufhealth.org/about-us ) is comprised of six health-related colleges located on a single, contiguous campus. They include the colleges of Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Public Health and Health Professions, and Veterinary Medicine.  The Health Science Center also partners with the immediately adjacent UF Health Shands Hospital, the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, and the UF Health Science Center Regional campus located in Jacksonville, FL. Additional major institutes and centers located at the University of Florida include the Emerging Pathogens Institute, the Institute of Child Health Policy, the UF Health Cancer Center, the UF Genetics Institute, the Clinical and Translational Science Institute and the McKnight Brain Institute, all of which provide state-of-the-art environments and access to large data sets for faculty collaboration.

$56,484 annually; commensurate with experience level and in accordance with current NIH postdoctoral salary guidelines.

Applicants should hold a PhD in computer science, statistics, bioinformatics, or a related field. 

The ideal candidate should demonstrate independent and critical thinking abilities. Prior experience in genetic or genomic data analysis will be considered a plus during the selection process. A strong background in programming (e.g., Python or C++) is essential. Experience in analyzing biological data is strongly preferred, and excellent communication skills are necessary.

Interested applicants should submit an application, including a CV, statement of interest, and contact information for three references. Substantive queries may be addressed to Sai Zhang, PhD, at sai.zhang@ufl.edu (Assistant Professor and Principal Investigator).

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

Final candidate will be required to provide official transcript to the hiring department upon hire.  A transcript will not be considered “official” if a designation of “Issued to Student” is visible.  Degrees earned from an education institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), which can be found at http://www.naces.org/ .

The University of Florida is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and is committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty and staff. We welcome nominations of and applications from anyone who would bring additional dimensions to the university's research, teaching, and clinical mission. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 TDD. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the U.S. Searches are conducted according with Florida's Sunshine Law.