Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Machine Learning for Genomics, Transcriptomics, and Bioinformatics

Organisation/Company

The University of British Columbia (UBC)

Research Field

Biological sciences » Biological engineering
Medical sciences

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)

Application Deadline

28 Feb 2026 - 22:00 (UTC)

Country

Canada

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

40

Offer Starting Date

16 Mar 2026

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by a EU programme

Reference Number

EU-59005

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

AI and Deep Learning for Genomics, Transcriptomics, and Bioinformatics

Job Summary
The School of Biomedical Engineering at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver campus is seeking one postdoctoral fellow to join our dynamic team in the AI in Medicine Lab (www.aimlab.ca ). This position is based in the School of Biomedical Engineering.

The successful candidate will work in the AI in Medicine Lab, applying machine learning to cutting-edge problems in cancer genomics, transcriptomics, spatial transcriptomics, and large-scale bioinformatics. This role focuses on developing and applying AI and deep learning techniques for analyzing high-dimensional omics data, identifying predictive biomarkers, and understanding cancer heterogeneity. Projects include modeling of bulk and single-cell transcriptomic profiles, integrative multi-omics analysis, and the fusion of molecular data with clinical and imaging features.

Organizational Status
The successful candidate will report to the Principal Investigator (Director of AI Research at OVCARE, Dr. Ali Bashashati).
Responsibilities

• Designs and implements machine learning models for bulk and single-cell genomics and transcriptomics.
• Analyzes spatial transcriptomic datasets to uncover tissue organization and disease states.
• Develops integrative models combining genomics with pathology images or time-series data.
• Participates in large collaborative studies, manuscript and grant writing.
• Mentors junior trainees and coordinate with clinicians and research partners (for senior roles).

Qualifications and requirements

• Ph.D. in bioinformatics, computer science, computational biology, or a related field, obtained within the last 5 years by the time of the appointment start date.
• Strong experience in deep learning applied to high-dimensional omics datasets.
• Familiarity with transcriptomic analysis tools (e.g., Seurat, Scanpy, DESeq2).
• Experience with spatial transcriptomics and multi-modal data integration is highly desirable.
• Proficient in Python, R, and ML libraries such as PyTorch or TensorFlow.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills; ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own.
• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

How to apply

• Important: Applications will only be reviewed if BOTH of the following steps are completed:
• Apply through the UBC system
• Fill out this mandatory form
• The expected pay for this position is $70,000 per year + benefits.
• The initial appointment will be for 16 months commencing on March 16, 2026 or a mutually agreed upon date with a possibility for extension, subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability.

Questions:

• If you have any questions about the positions or the application process, please send contact  ali.bashashati@ubc.ca & h.farahani@ubc.ca .
• Review of applications will begin on March 1, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. The anticipated start date for this position is March 16, 2026 or on a date to be mutually agreed.

We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from equity-deserving groups. We are committed to creating inclusive spaces that foster innovation through diverse perspectives and experiences.

We invite applications from qualified candidates who share our commitment to employment equity and inclusive excellence, and we welcome applications from candidates belonging to historically, persistently, or systemically marginalized groups: Indigenous (First Nation, Métis, Inuit) Peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, women, 2SLGBTQIA+ people, and trans and non-binary people.

The University is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and equitable work environment for all members of its workforce. An inclusive work environment presumes an environment where differences are appreciated, recognized, and integrated into current structures, planning, and decision-making modes. Within this hiring process we are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable process for all candidates (including but not limited to people with disabilities).  Confidential accommodations are available on request. If you have any questions regarding accommodations or accessibility during the recruitment and hiring process or for more information and support, please visit UBC’s Centre for Workplace Accessibility website at https://hr.ubc.ca/health-and-wellbeing/workplace-accessibility/centre-w… or contact the Centre at workplace.accessibility@ubc.ca .

We acknowledge that UBC’s Vancouver campus is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of thexʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) people. As scientists and engineers, we are committed to responsible and respectful research practices on this land.

This posting is for the UBC Vancouver campus in British Columbia, Canada.

Please refer to reference number EU-59005 during correspondence about this position. Please visit the researcher profile of the supervisor for this position to learn more about their research.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

About UBC
The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world. Since 1915, UBC's entrepreneurial spirit has embraced innovation and challenged the status quo. UBC encourages its students, staff and faculty to challenge convention, lead discovery and explore new ways of learning. At UBC, bold thinking is given a place to develop into ideas that can change the world.

Postdoctoral Fellows at UBC Vancouver
UBC is home to over 900 postdocs spanning all faculties and units across two campuses and a variety of affiliated hospitals, research centres, and sites, providing unparalleled opportunities to learn, discover and contribute in one's own way. UBC's Postdoctoral Fellows Office (PDFO) is committed to supporting the lives and career aspirations of our Postdocs, with the goal of enriching their experience at UBC and preparing them for the future. In addition to providing support and advocacy for all postdocs, the PDFO is dedicated to providing professional development opportunities that foster the development of soft skills needed in today's professional environments, helping them secure future careers in their chosen fields.

About UBC's Faculty of Medicine
Every day across British Columbia, trainees and researchers at the UBC Faculty of Medicine are turning skills into jobs, investments into discoveries, and discoveries into solutions that are transforming health for everyone.

The UBC Faculty of Medicine offers a diverse array of training opportunities including cutting-edge research experiences in the biosciences, globally recognized population health education, quality health professional training, as well as several certificate and online training options. The Faculty of Medicine is home to more than 1,700 graduate students housed in 23 graduate programs (14 of which offer doctoral research options). Year after year, research excellence in the Faculty of Medicine is supported by investment from funding sources here at home and around the globe, receiving approximately $1.6B in total research funding in the last five years.

About Vancouver
Vancouver is a dynamic, cosmopolitan and progressive city, consistently ranked as one of the top cities to live in the world. Canada's third largest city has it all: sea, parks, mountains, beaches, and four seasons per year, including beautiful summers and mild, wet winters with snow in the mountains. It's the perfect backdrop to your academic research.

Website

https://ubc.wd10.myworkdayjobs.com/ubcfacultyjobs/job/UBC-Vancouver-Campus---Va…

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Excellent

Website for additional job details

https://ubc.wd10.myworkdayjobs.com/ubcfacultyjobs/job/UBC-Vancouver-Campus---Va…
https://www.grad.ubc.ca/node/18189

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

The University of British Columbia (UBC)

Country

Canada

State/Province

British Columbia

City

Vancouver

Postal Code

V6T 1Z4

Street

2329 West Mall

Geofield

State/Province

British Columbia

City

Vancouver

Street

2329 West Mall

Postal Code

V6T 1Z4

• X (formerly Twitter)
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Whatsapp
• 
  More share options
  • E-mail
  • Pocket
  • Viadeo
  • Gmail
  • Weibo
  • Blogger
  • Qzone
  • YahooMail