Postdoctoral research positions in machine learning and computational biology

Mentor: Dr. William Noble
Department of Genome Sciences
University of Washington, Seattle WA 98109

The Noble lab has several openings for postdoctoral fellows to work on machine learning projects related to genomics and proteomics. An ideal candidate will be motivated by the desire to develop and apply novel machine learning techniques. Familiarity with genomic or proteomic data is not required, but candidates must be prepared to become intimately familiar with these complex data types and the generative processes that underlie them.

Machine learning models for integrating multi-omic data. The NIH Multi-Omics for Health and Disease Consortium will collect patient samples from six different locations. All will be processed using multiple technologies, including genomics, epigenomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. As one of the labs involved in the Data Analysis and Coordination Center, we will be responsible for developing machine learning methods that help make sense of this large, heterogeneous data set.

Deep learning models for mass spec proteomics. We are developing a series of deep learning models that assist in the intepretation of massive collections of mass spectrometry proteomics data, such as GLEAMS, Casanovo, and Cascadia. Moving forward, we plan to further improve these models and to develop new models to tackle additional challenges in this field.

Machine learning analysis of chromatin conformation data. The 3D configuration of DNA in the nucleus can be measured by sequencing assays such as Hi-C as well as microscopy techniques. We are developing machine learning models that aim to make sense of these data, tackling problems such as denoising, imputation, loop calling, and 3D reconstruction.

Requirements:

• Candidates must have a PhD or equivalent.
• Candidates must have strong computational skills.
• Expertise in machine learning is desirable.
• Expertise in relevant areas of cell biology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, and stem cell biology is not required, though helpful.
• Applicants are also expected to be intellectually curious, independent, proactive, team-oriented, and with a strong work ethic. Strong verbal and written skills in English are critical.

The University of Washington is consistently ranked as one of the top research universities in the country and has more than 25,000 undergraduates and 9,000 others enrolled in its professional and graduate programs. Seattle is considered one of the nation's most beautiful and livable cities, boasting an array of cultural activities, parks, sports teams and restaurants, and serving as the gateway to National Parks and Forests, as well as boating, skiing and hiking areas.

The University of Washington is a culturally diverse community, and we strongly encourage applications from women and minority candidates. The University of Washington is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Please send a CV and cover letter to

Dr. William Noble
william-noble@u.washington.edu