Postdoctoral Associate - Molecular Biology and Genetics

Position Function

The successful candidate will lead the development of novel AI frameworks 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 these genomic insights into actionable, decision-ready strategies for conservation.

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 Postdoctoral Associate will primarily focus on the development of Genera, with opportunities to collaborate closely with the Jarvis development team and broader GAIA partners.

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.

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:

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of "... any person ... any study." No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.