Closing date: 27 August 2025.We invite applications for a
two-year postdoctoral fellowship in the Gatsby Computational
Neuroscience Unit funded by the UKRI AI Hub in Generative Models.
Modern
“virtual-cell” foundation models hope to one day predict how any
combination of drugs or gene edits will affect living cells—but because
of the complex interactions that arise in biological systems, this will
only be possible if we can design the right experiments to collect data
to train them. In this role you will create new statistically efficient
causal and interaction models with the aim of elucidating cellular
interactions. and develop machine learning methods relevant to the
task-domain, including causal and generative models. The successful
candidate will work day-to-day with Prof Arthur Gretton (UCL) and Dr
Jason Hartford (Manchester) and will deploy successful methods to
co-designing new CRISPR screens with Dr Mo Lotfollahi (Wellcome Sanger
Institute). The appointment will be on the UCL Grade 7 salary scale.
You
must have a strong mathematical and statistical background and a
peer-reviewed track record in causal inference, experimental design,
generative modelling, and/or related methodologies. Experience with
foundation-model training for biological data and/or multimodal
generative models and familiarity with high-throughput assay pipelines
(CRISPR, imaging, -omics) is highly desirable. You must hold a PhD in a
relevant field by the agreed start of the position.
For detailed information on the role and how to apply, please visit
UCL Jobs (B02-09214).
About the Gatsby Unit
Established
in 1998 through a generous grant from the Gatsby Charitable Foundation,
the Gatsby Unit has been a pioneering centre for research in
theoretical neuroscience and machine learning. The Unit provides a
unique multidisciplinary research environment with strong links to the
Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, the ELLIS
Unit at UCL, and other neuroscience and machine learning groups at UCL
and beyond.