Postdoctoral Fellowship (09) at University of Illinois at Chicago, United States

Postdoctoral researcher positions in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics are available in the Qiu lab at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). Dr. Yuchi Qiu (https://yuchiqiu.github.io) is a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics (BCMG), and a faculty member in the Center for Bioinformatics and Quantitative Biology (CBQB) at UIC.

The successful candidate will conduct computational research at the intersection of AI/deep learning, bioinformatics, mathematical modeling, computational topology, scientific machine learning, for systems biology, single-cell genomics and protein design. The candidates will work in a highly interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment, engaging in close collaborations with experimentalists in fields such as developmental, cell, and cancer biology, and protein/drug design.

UIC offers a strong and supportive interdisciplinary research environment by bringing experts in computational biology, bioinformatics, and experimental biology. It is one of the institutes with earliest efforts in bioinformatics with one of the earliest PhD bioinformatics programs in the country in 2003. BCMG is a basic science department in College of Medicine at UIC, where faculty employ cutting-edge molecular and genetics approaches to explore a wide array of fundamental questions, including structural biology, drug development, biotech, signaling, developmental, cell and cancer biology. CBQB is committed to lead major discoveries in disease mechanisms, novel diagnostics and therapeutics, as well as development of devices and algorithms that will improve health, with lasting impact to the society.

The Research Associate I is a facilitator for the IMARA for Black Male Caregivers and Girls Empowerment (IMAGE) study. A major component of our study is engaging Black families and communities in research using culturally sensitive methods. IMAGE aims to study the implementation and delivery of the IMAGE intervention and enhance community-based organizations’ capacity to provide prevention programming for Black girls (aged 13-18 years) and their male caregivers (18+). IMAGE is funded by the National Institutes of Minority Health Disparities, R01MD018929.

The Senior Research Specialist (SRS) provides high-level project and staff leadership of the Neighborhoods + Health Research Team, housed in the Division of Health Policy and Administration at UIC’s School of Public Health. Our team studies how social, built, and commercial environments shape health and contribute to health disparities and both informs and evaluates policy, systems, and environmental changes. In collaboration with the Principal Investigator (PI), the SRS oversees and manages all aspects of research projects across all phases. This includes operationalizing and coordinating research activities, implementing research projects, managing all students and staff, disseminating advances and findings, and securing funding.

The Research Specialist, Translational Research Workforce Development, supports the design, implementation, evaluation, and dissemination of innovative workforce development initiatives that strengthen the clinical and translational research workforce pipeline. This role contributes to the development of and manages programs that support students, trainees, early-career investigators, research professionals, and faculty through education, mentorship, career development, experiential learning, and workforce readiness activities. Working collaboratively with principal investigators (PIs), program leadership, and internal and external stakeholders, the Research Specialist advances workforce development priorities, expands research career pathways, and promotes broad participation and access across the clinical and translational research ecosystem. The Research Specialist contributes to the development, implementation, and evaluation of translational research, research education, and workforce development projects and proposals. The position supports CTSA-funded team science, clinical research professional development, and workforce development initiatives through program coordination, stakeholder engagement, outcomes assessment, and continuous quality improvement. The Research Specialist develops and delivers workforce development programs and resources, including virtual training initiatives, online learning platforms, professional development offerings, and career advancement opportunities. The position manages and actively contributes to the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of a comprehensive digital learning environment, while overseeing related activities and ensuring the delivery of accessible, engaging, and evidence-informed educational experiences that support institutional, CTSA, and workforce development goals. The Research Specialist works across institutional, citywide, and national partnerships to advance initiatives that strengthen team science competencies, research workforce capacity, and career development opportunities. Through program evaluation, educational innovation, dissemination of best practices, and collaborative engagement with the CTSA consortium and other stakeholders, the position contributes to advancing clinical, translational, and public health research while building sustainable pathways for the next generation of research professionals and investigators. Duties & Responsibilities • Workforce Development Program Design and Implementation • Collaborate with program leadership on the design, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of workforce development, professional development, and translational science training initiatives that support students, trainees, research professionals, staff, and faculty across the clinical and translational research continuum. • Contribute to the development of innovative educational programs, career development opportunities, mentoring initiatives, and experiential learning activities that support workforce recruitment, retention, advancement, and leadership development. • Coordinate and manage program operations, including participant recruitment, onboarding, engagement, scheduling, and program completion activities. Manage program timelines, deliverables, and resource allocation for assigned workforce development initiatives. • Oversee implementation of CCTS workforce development, clinical research professional development, translational science, and team science initiatives, recommending and implementing program enhancements as needed. • Ensure program activities align with institutional priorities, CTSA objectives, funding requirements, and workforce development best practices. • Digital Learning and Educational Innovation • Drive the development and management of virtual and hybrid learning programs, including webinars, workshops, self-paced co