Postdoctoral Associate in AI-Driven Analysis of Biological Rhythms & Bio-Communication
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Job Summary
The Peleg Lab is seeking a creative, curious, and adventurous postdoctoral researcher to join an exciting new project on biological rhythms in the deep sea, where tidal forces—rather than sunlight—shape life’s timing. We will study the hydrothermal vent mussel Bathymodiolus azoricus at the Lucky Strike vent (-1700m), using machine learning, mathematical modeling, and biophysical approaches to investigate how deep-sea organisms regulate their rhythms in response to environmental cues such as tidal forces, unseen light sources, and artificial disturbances.
In addition to the primary focus on deep-sea biological rhythms, the postdoc will also work on a broader initiative in the lab on the evolution of bio-communication across species. This aspect of the research will involve analyzing vision, sound, and behavior patterns in species ranging from woodpeckers and crickets to slime molds and cetaceans, providing insights into the fundamental principles of biological signaling. More information about the lab can be found at www.peleglab.com.
Join us in unraveling the rhythms of life—from deep-sea vents to the evolution of bio-communication across species!
The Peleg Lab is located within the BioFrontiers Institute and seeks to understand the behavior of disordered living systems by merging tools from physics, biology, engineering, and computer science, with a focus on honeybee communication (mechanical and chemical). Further information on the BioFrontiers Institute can be found here: https://www.colorado.edu/biofrontiers/
Who We Are
At the University of Colorado BioFrontiers Institute, researchers from the life sciences, physical sciences, computer science, and engineering are working together to uncover new knowledge at the frontiers of science and partnering with industry to transform their discoveries into new tools. The BioFrontiers Institute is uniquely defined both by our excellent faculty, research, and leadership and by the scientific and geographical ecosystem that empowers our work. BioFrontiers has a unique “frontier” culture that allows our researchers to explore new areas of bioscience by maximizing the resources and talents across the Institute and the university system. The Institute integrates faculty members from eleven academic departments, allowing them to work across fields. BioFrontiers drives innovation without boundaries.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
- Develop ML/AI-based tools for vision, sound, and behavior identification in deep-sea and terrestrial species.
- Construct mathematical models of rhythm formation and synchronization in biological systems, using a dynamical systems approach, agent-based models, and large-scale parameter sweeps on supercomputers.
- Conduct high-level analysis of both experimental data and model outputs to identify trends, extract meaningful conclusions, and refine hypotheses.
What You Should Know
- This position is expected to start no later than July 2025.
What We Can Offer
- $61,008 - $66,492 per year. Salary will be set in accordance with the NIH scale for Postdoctoral Scholars.
- Relocation assistance is available per department guidelines.
Benefits
Be Statements
What We Require
- PhD in a relevant field (e.g., computational biology, physics, bioinformatics, neuroscience, AI/ML, or related disciplines).
What You Will Need
Machine Learning & AI:
- Experience with computer vision, sound analysis, or behavioral recognition, particularly in biological or ecological datasets. Given the project's challenging environments (deep sea, field recordings, etc.), the data will be inherently noisy and incomplete. The ideal candidate should be adept at developing novel tools rather than relying solely on off-the-shelf solutions, with the flexibility to handle messy, real-world data.
Mathematical Modeling:
- Experience with dynamical systems, agent-based models, and large-scale simulations.
- Ability to run and analyze large parameter sweeps on high-performance computing clusters.
- Capacity to synthesize findings across both experimental data and simulation results to identify patterns, trends, and governing principles.
What We Would Like You to Have
- Interest in interdisciplinary research spanning chronobiology, collective behavior, and evolutionary biology.
- Strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and enthusiasm for working with complex, imperfect, real-world datasets.
- Willingness to collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of ecologists, marine biologists, and computational scientists.
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
- Resume or CV.
- Cover Letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position.
If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources department using an approved online vendor. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit a translated version as an optional attachment.
During the application process you will need to enter contact information for three references. We will request letters of recommendation and additional materials, if needed, as the search progresses.
Please apply by 3/20/25 for consideration.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.
Posting Contact Information
Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources
Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu