Description
1. About the Institute:
Do you want to be part of an exciting new Institute focused on combining human and machine intelligence into working AI solutions?
We are building a pioneering research and innovation hub in AI—one that will shape the way humans and machines collaborate for decades to come. Led by Prof. Usama Fayyad, the Institute for Experiential AI is built around the challenges and opportunities made possible by human-machine collaboration. The Institute provides a framework to design, implement, and scale AI-driven technologies in ways that make a true difference to society. Our ability to respond to the opportunities afforded to society will depend on training and building a workforce that is AI-capable and prosperous.
Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a global research university and the recognized leader in experience-driven lifelong learning. Our world-renowned experiential approach empowers our students, faculty, alumni, and partners to create impact far beyond the confines of discipline, degree, and campus.
The Culture:
Here at the Institute for Experiential AI (EAI) we are committed to the highest standards in all we do. Working at the EAI offers opportunities, an environment, and a culture that just isn’t found together anywhere else. This is the right place for you if you’re curious, motivated by the future of technology, and want to be part of a unique and diverse community that works on high-impact research, educational, business, and societal problems.
Job Summary:
Northeastern University's Institute for Experiential AI has established a position for a Research Scientist focused on work AI and Life Sciences. The Research Scientist will be based out of the Boston campus, MA, conduct applied research, prepare work for submission to journal/conference publications, contribute to extramural funding applications, and manage projects in connection with projects. This position has a three-year, renewable appointment. The position will be associated with the AI + Life Sciences vertical and will be responsible for Co-developing, collaboratively leading, and participating in research projects related to AI and the life sciences. These will include applications of neural networks to the analysis of multi-omic data, models for predicting phenotypes using genotype data, biological data integration, etc. Participation in these projects will include scientific programming, data analysis, manuscript preparation, meeting with collaborators, etc.
In particular, the Research Scientist hired for this position is expected to develop AI algorithms for the directed evolution of proteins with a combination of public and proprietary data, supervise Co-Op hires working on the same project, and collaborate with academic and industry partners of EAI. The Research Scientist will actively collaborate on this with the Computational Biology group led by Predrag Radivojac at Khoury College, Northeastern University, and Ayan Paul, EAI, Northeastern University.
2. Minimum Qualifications and Required Documents
- A Ph.D. in computer science, computational biology, or Bioinformatics by the appointment start date.
- A record of outstanding research, as evidenced by publications, grants, software outputs, and other scholarly measures of impact.
- Strong demonstrable background in machine learning including published work. Must have demonstrable experience in building AI models for directed evolution of proteins and protein function prediction and optimization.
- Must have 3+ experience in bioinformatics and/or biological data formats.
- Must have familiarity with protein bioinformatics (understanding of protein structure and function).
- Must have 2 - 3 years of progressive experience that demonstrates an ability to plan and conduct research.
- Must have experience in research software development, FAIR data/open science, life sciences data systems, and analysis of various kinds of ‘omics data (e.g., metabolomics, proteomics, genomics, transcriptomics, etc.).
- Postdoctoral research experience in an academic or industry setting is a bonus.
- Proposal preparations for sponsored research funding, research experience involving team science projects, and project management experience are highly desired.
Values & Abilities:
- Ability to establish an independent, extramurally funded research program.
- We expect research scientists to establish and advocate for best practices in scientific reproducibility of all results, and to promote the ethical use of data and algorithms.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to communicate effectively with a variety of different stakeholders, e.g., academics, business executives, government officials, journalists/media, etc.
- Comfortable navigating complex internal processes and structures.
- Respect for diversity and the importance of interdisciplinary teams.
- Entrepreneurial mindset, self-starter, and innovative thinker while at the same time being able to navigate multi-layered channels within a university setting and work across multiple teams/business units.
- Team-player who can collaborate effectively in a university setting and with corporate partners.
- Open-minded, assertive, and professional when collaborating and working within our team and with other groups within Northeastern University.
Required Documents:
Please submit the following documents in a single Word/PDF document along with your application:
- Cover Letter
- Resume (Please include contact information of referees for at least three letters of reference)
- A few samples of your Research Papers/Articles
- Research Statement. The research statement should not exceed 2 pages. A reference cited section can be appended following the research statement and does not count toward the page limit. Please use 11- or 12-point size and a standard font. Page margins should be 1 inch or greater. Please address the following:
- Describe your research and how it has contributed to your field.
- What future directions do you anticipate for your research?
- What funding have you received and what potential do your future research plans have for funding? Please identify specific funding mechanisms where possible.
- Who are your primary collaborators and what are your experiences with industrial collaborations?
3. Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities
- Co-develop, collaboratively lead and participate in research projects that advance scientific knowledge and solve relevant societal and industrial problems. Participation in these projects will include supervising/mentoring postdoctoral researchers, graduate/ undergraduate students, scientific programming, data analysis, manuscript preparation, meeting with collaborators, etc.
- Secure sufficient and pertinent research funding to supplement finances by preparing research grant applications, delivering grant milestones, and delivering reports and presentations.
- Represent the university in conferences, seminars, and other public events, as well as in media outlets. Perform service for the university and the research community volunteering in different types of committees.
- Other assignments as deemed necessary.
4. Financial Measures
Research scientists are expected to obtain $300K in total research funding on average per year by the end of year three of their appointment. The first three years of salary support are guaranteed by the University.
5. Supervision
Formally none, but they can supervise postdocs, graduate students, and Co-Ops.
6. Location
Boston, MA
7. Additional Information
Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education, and skills when extending an offer.
Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit-eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit
www.northeastern.edu/benefits for more information.
Northeastern University is an equal opportunity employer, seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff. Northeastern values and celebrates diversity in all its forms and strives to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
To learn more about Northeastern University’s commitment and support of diversity and inclusion, please see
www.northeastern.edu/diversity.
Qualifications
This is a PI equivalent role and a Research Scientist is expected to establish their own research group in the longer run.
Minimum Qualifications and Required Documents
- A Ph.D. in computer science, computational biology, or Bioinformatics by the appointment start date.
- A record of outstanding research, as evidenced by publications, grants, software outputs, and other scholarly measures of impact.
- Strong demonstrable background in machine learning including published work. Must have demonstrable experience in building AI models for directed evolution of proteins and protein function prediction and optimization.
- Must have 3+ experience in bioinformatics and/or biological data formats.
- Must have familiarity with protein bioinformatics (understanding of protein structure and function).
- Must have 2 - 3 years of progressive experience that demonstrates an ability to plan and conduct research.
- Must have experience in research software development, FAIR data/open science, life sciences data systems, and analysis of various kinds of ‘omics data (e.g., metabolomics, proteomics, genomics, transcriptomics, etc.).
- Postdoctoral research experience in an academic or industry setting is a bonus.
- Proposal preparations for sponsored research funding, research experience involving team science projects, and project management experience are highly desired.
Values & Abilities:
- Ability to establish an independent, extramurally funded research program.
- We expect research scientists to establish and advocate for best practices in scientific reproducibility of all results, and to promote the ethical use of data and algorithms.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to communicate effectively with a variety of different stakeholders, e.g., academics, business executives, government officials, journalists/media, etc.
- Comfortable navigating complex internal processes and structures.
- Respect for diversity and the importance of interdisciplinary teams.
- Entrepreneurial mindset, self-starter, and innovative thinker while at the same time being able to navigate multi-layered channels within a university setting and work across multiple teams/business units.
- Team-player who can collaborate effectively in a university setting and with corporate partners.
- Open-minded, assertive, and professional when collaborating and working within our team and with other groups within Northeastern University.
Start date
October 01, 2024
How to Apply
Please email all documents to: a.paul@northeastern.edu
Contact
Ayan Paul