RFN26-04

Senior AI Postdoctoral Associate Research Foundation for

SUNY - 3.9

Albany, NY Job Details $85,000 - $87,000 a year 1 day ago Benefits Disability insurance Health insurance Dental insurance Tuition reimbursement Paid time off Pension plan Vision insurance Life insurance Qualifications Medical writing GPU architecture High-performance computing clusters Scientific research papers Research project design Molecular biology techniques Collaborative research Working with students from diverse cultural backgrounds Doctor of Philosophy Computer hardware Working with students Student support Neurology research experience Technical project management Training & development Research and development project management Data analysis software Scientific reports Molecular analysis Full Job Description Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. If you currently need sponsorship or will need it in the future to maintain employment authorization, you do not meet eligibility requirements. The Senior Postdoctoral Associate position is based within The RNA Institute at the University at Albany, State University of New York, and supports a multidisciplinary research program at the intersection of artificial intelligence, computer vision, RNA biology, and translational medicine. This position is part of an Empire AI-supported initiative focused on transforming clinical assessment and mechanistic understanding of myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). Working within The RNA Institute's highly collaborative environment, the Senior Postdoctoral Associate will integrate computational, clinical, and molecular approaches to advance both fundamental understanding and translational applications for DM1 and related neurological disorders.

Research Activities:

AI-Enhanced Clinical Assessment and Molecular Mechanisms Develop and lead an interdisciplinary research program focused on applying artificial intelligence, computer vision, and molecular biology approaches to myotonic dystrophy research.

Responsibilities include:

Designing and implementing computer vision pipelines to train, validate and deploy machine learning and deep learning models to quantify gait abnormalities, hand movement impairments, and other clinically relevant functional outcomes. Investigating molecular mechanisms of DM, including the structural characterization of expanded CUG-repeat RNAs and their interactions with RNA-binding proteins such as MBNL1. Integrating imaging, molecular, and computational datasets to generate mechanistic insights into disease pathology. Designing experiments, collecting, and analyzing data, interpreting results, and contributing to therapeutic and diagnostic development efforts. Remaining current with advances in artificial intelligence, computational biology, structural RNA biology, and neurological disease research. Develop and advance an independent research focus aligned with the mission of The RNA Institute and the goals of the Empire AI initiative. Supervising student-led research efforts and providing technical guidance. Contributing to training initiatives that expand AI literacy and computational research capabilities across The RNA Institute and Empire AI programs. Assisting in the development of educational materials, workshops, and interdisciplinary training activities. Development of an Independent Research Program and Grant Activities Develop and advance an independent research focus aligned with the mission of The RNA Institute and the goals of the Empire AI initiative.

Responsibilities include:

Identifying new research opportunities in AI-driven healthcare, computational biology, and repeat expansion diseases and generating preliminary data to support competitive grant applications. Assisting in the preparation and submission of research results and other relevant information for federal, state, foundation, and industry-sponsored research proposals. Establishing new collaborations across computational science, clinical medicine, and RNA biology. Scientific Communication and Dissemination Communicate research findings to scientific, clinical, and technical audiences.

Responsibilities include:

Preparing manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals. Presenting research findings at laboratory meetings, institutional seminars, scientific conferences, and Empire AI-related events. Contributing to progress reports and project deliverables. Collaborating with investigators, clinicians, and external partners to disseminate project outcomes and maximize scientific impact. Various activities that support the RNA Institute's mission to advance RNA research while training the next generation of RNA scientists, which includes a commitment to increasing the number of individuals from under-represented groups at The RNA Institute and in

STEM Job Requirements:

Minimum Requirements:

Education Ph.D. in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Neuroscience, Structural Biology, or a closely related field from a college or university accredited by the U.S. Department of Education or an internationally recognized accrediting organization. Experience Demonstrated record of independent research and peer-reviewed publications. Experience applying quantitative, computational, molecular, or biomedical approaches to biological research questions. Knowledge & Skills Strong knowledge of molecular biology, genetics, RNA biology, and disease mechanisms. Experience with machine learning libraries, deep learning, computer vision, or computational data analysis tools and methodologies. Understanding of principles of experimental design, statistical analysis, and reproducible research practices. Familiarity with clinical research and digital health technologies is desirable. Proficiency in one or more programming languages such as Python, R, or related scientific computing environments. Experience with high-performance computing environments, including GPU-enabled systems. Strong scientific writing, communication, presentation, and project management skills. Abilities and Working Environment Ability to independently develop, execute, and manage complex research projects and collaborate effectively in interdisciplinary teams. Ability to work safely and effectively in computational research environments. Ability to mentor and train students and research personnel, and communicate effectively with collaborators, clinicians and external partners. Ability to operate and troubleshoot computing hardware and software. Strong problem-solving skills and commitment to scientific rigor, documentation, and reproducibility. Ability to contribute to the strategic research, training, and service missions of The RNA Institute. Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects. Must address ability to work with and instruct a culturally diverse population. Preferred Qualifications More than 3 years of postdoctoral or equivalent advanced research experience. Experience with computer vision, pose estimation, machine learning, deep learning, or biomedical image analysis. Experience with AI frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, OpenCV, Mediapipe and/or related computer vision and machine learning platforms. Experience working with clinical datasets, digital health technologies, or remote patient monitoring systems. Knowledge of structural RNA biology or RNA-protein interactions. Experience in repeat expansion disorders, neuromuscular diseases, or neurodegenerative disease research. Experience mentoring students and research personnel. Record of publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Experience working within highly collaborative and interdisciplinary research environments.

Additional Information:

Salary Range:

$85,000-$87,000(DOE) Federal law and regulations require notice to all prospective employees regarding crimes that have occurred on campus in the current three-year period. Please refer to the following website for the complete Annual Security Report ("Clery Report"): http://police.albany.edu/ASR.shtml As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, The Research Foundation for SUNY will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, physical and mental disability, criminal record, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, status with respect to receiving public assistance, domestic violence victim status, a disabled, special, recently separated, active duty wartime, campaign badge, Armed Forces service medal veteran, or any other characteristics protected under applicable law. The Research Foundation for The State University of New York offers exceptional benefits such as healthcare, dental, vision, pension plans, competitive pay, generous paid time off, tuition assistance, life insurance and long-term disability insurance. The University at Albany offers a variety of performing arts, world class libraries, and competitive sporting events.