Upstate New York HERC

Postdoctoral Associate - Molecular Biology and Genetics

Position Function

We are seeking a highly motivated researcher to develop and apply cutting-edge artificial intelligence approaches for conservation genomics.

The successful candidate will work on developing novel AI models that (i) integrate thousands of genome assemblies and multimodal biological datasets to uncover the genomic determinants of species resilience, adaptation, and extinction vulnerability, and (ii) translate genomic insights into practical conservation insights.

This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the frontier of AI, genomics, and conservation biology, collaborating with world-class researchers while working with some of the largest genomic datasets (e.g. Vertebrate Genomes Project, California Genomes Project) ever assembled.

The project is part of GAIA (Genomic Artificial Intelligence Applications), a major collaborative initiative that brings together partners from Revive & Restore, Rockefeller University, and other academic and non-academic organizations, thus expanding opportunities for networking and mentorship. Together, the consortium is building transformative AI tools to accelerate biodiversity science and enable data-driven conservation interventions. This position is funded by the Bezos Earth Fund.

Two central goals of GAIA are:

• To build an AI Genome Curation Assistant (Jarvis): an AI system that combines modern machine learning approaches with large-scale biological data to automate genome curation by detecting, interpreting, and correcting structural errors, reducing manual effort from weeks to minutes thus that allowing to scale up to thousands of species per year;
• To build Genera, a multimodal AI system that integrates genomic and ecological data to assess extinction risk and generate actionable genetic rescue strategies for conservation practitioners.

The successful Postdoctoral Associate will focus on the development of Genera and will also have the opportunity to interact with developers of Jarvis.

Anticipated Division of Time

80% Research: Build, train, and evaluate cutting-edge AI models and multi-agent systems for conservation genomics; perform feature engineering using chromosome-level genome assemblies.

15% Writing: Contribute to scientific manuscripts, progress reports, and collaborative research efforts.

5% Professional Development.

Requirements

• PhD Degree in computational biology, bioinformatics, computer science, electrical engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience achieving impactful results including publications using relevant AI/ML/related techniques and genomic data analysis.
• Background in and motivation for genomics or/and biodiversity conservation studies.
• Strong background in AI/ML fundamentals and extensive experience with deep learning (DL) methods.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Python and machine learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, Jax, scikit-learn) applied to genomic/related datasets.
• Experience with sequence modeling architectures and interpretable AI methods (SHAP, Integrated Gradients, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to stay up to date with advances in AI and apply new methods to research problems.
• Independent, highly motivated, and collaborative researcher able to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams.

Supervision Exercised

This position involves close collaboration with bioinformaticians, genomic consortia, and multidisciplinary research teams. Functional supervision may be exercised over graduate and undergraduate students involved in research projects as needed.

The hiring range for this position is $63,480 - $72,000.

To apply:

Qualified candidates should submit a short cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references via the website.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled; applicants are encouraged to apply early for full consideration.

Cornell's regional and global presence includes state-wide Cornell Cooperative Extension programs and offices in all counties and boroughs, global partnerships with institutions and communities engaged in life-changing research and education, the medical college's campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, and the Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

Pay Range:

Pay Ranges:

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience.

• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.

• Academic Discipline

• Unique applicable skills.

Employment Assistance:

Notice to Applicants:

EEO Statement:

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