Flatiron Research Fellow (Computer Vision), Center for Computational Biology

Thursday 9th November 2023

Contact Email for the Job Posting employment@simonsfoundation.org
Organization Simons Foundation/Flatiron Institute
Location New York, NY
Title Flatiron Research Fellow (Computer Vision), Center for Computational Biology
URL apply.interfolio.com/135707
Closing date Apr 01, 2024
Description The Center for Computational Biology (CCB) of the Simons Foundation’s Flatiron Institute is actively seeking an enthusiastic, full-time post-doctoral Flatiron Research Fellow to support its work in applying computer vision and machine learning techniques to CCB’s various biological research efforts. Recent work involves instance segmentation, tracking and lineage construction of pre-implantation mouse embryogenesis and extending this to other organisms. This has included extensive benchmarking of segmentation approaches, developing a generalized approach to detect mitotic events and optimizing track associations using simulated annealing.

Position Summary
Flatiron Research Fellows in CCB are individuals at the postdoctoral level with backgrounds in one or more of the following areas: applied mathematics, statistics, computational biology, biophysics, computer science, engineering, mathematical physics, or related disciplines. Reporting to Research Scientists, Data Scientists or the Center Director, as appropriate, Fellows are expected to carry out an active research program that can be independently directed and/or involve substantial collaboration with other members of CCB or the Flatiron Institute. In addition to their research, Fellows help build the rich scientific community at CCB and the Flatiron Institute by participating in seminars, colloquia, and group meetings; developing their software, mathematical and computational expertise through internal education opportunities; and sharing their knowledge through scientific publications, presentations, and/or software releases, with the financial support of the Institute. Fellows have access to the Flatiron Institute’s powerful scientific computing resources.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
enable CCB biologists and biophysicists to denoise, segment, track, and model biological processes using microscopy
utilize the latest techniques in computer vision for biology such as self-supervised and contrastive learning, continuous estimation, super-resolution and interpretability
collaborate with the other Flatiron Institute centers such as computational neuroscience, computational mathematics and computational astrophysics to utilize state-of-the art computer vision methods to extract information from images
Participating in the organization of CCB and Flatiron-wide collaborative activities including seminars, workshops and meetings
Participating in the preparation of manuscripts for publication and of presentations at scientific conferences
Assisting in student mentorship
Sharing expertise and providing training and guidance to CCB staff and visitors as needed.

FRF positions are generally two-year appointments that can be renewed for a third year, contingent on performance. Fellows will be based, and have a principal office or workspace, at the Simons Foundation’s offices in New York City. Fellows may also be eligible for subsidized housing within walking distance of the Flatiron Institute.

Minimum Qualifications
Education
Ph.D. in a relevant field (applied mathematics, statistics, computational biology, biophysics, computer science, engineering, mathematical physics, or related disciplines)

Related Skills & Other Requirements
Proficiency in high-quality scientific/mathematical coding in particular, Python, Matlab, image processing libraries and interfaces, and deep learning platforms such as Pytorch and Tensorflow.
Knowledge of good software engineering practices for working in groups and sharing code using Git.
Strong skills in data analysis
Technical and scientific curiosity a must
Ability to work well in an interdisciplinary environment, and to collaborate with experimentalists
Strong oral and written communication, data documentation, and presentation skills

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The full-time annual compensation for this position is $90,000.
In addition to competitive salaries, the Simons Foundation provides employees with an outstanding benefits package.

Application Instructions
To apply, please submit the following via the application portal:
Cover Letter, which should include a summary of applicants’ most significant contributions in graduate school
Curriculum vitae with publications list and, if relevant, links to software
Research statement of no more than three (3) pages describing the applicant’s past important results, current and future research interests which may include both scientific topics and algorithm and software development, and potential synergies with activities at CCB
Two (2) letters of recommendation

Applications for available positions that begin in 2024 will generally be reviewed beginning September 2023, and will be considered on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.

SIMONS FOUNDATION'S DIVERSITY COMMITMENT
Many of the greatest ideas and discoveries come from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds and experiences, and we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment. The Simons Foundation actively seeks a diverse applicant pool and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state and local law.