Postdoctoral Fellow

Classification: Academic Level A
Salary package: $87,135 –$109,369 per annum plus 17% superannuation
Term: Full time, Fixed term (2-years)

The Position

A two-year postdoctoral position is available at the John Curtin School of Medical Research (JCSMR), within the ANU College of Science and Medicine. This role will lead the development of advanced deep learning frameworks—including graph neural networks, attention-based models, and multi-modal learning approaches—to model RNA-mediated regulatory mechanisms and their dynamic interactions in disease. The position is part of an NHMRC Ideas Grant project investigating the regulation of RNA-mediate gene interactions, with the aim of uncovering fundamental post-transcriptional regulatory codes and generating experimentally testable hypotheses.

The successful candidate will join Associate Professor Jean Wen’s research group, conducting independent, high-impact research at the intersection of AI/machine learning, computational biology, and RNA biology. The position involves:

• Conducting original research in deep learning–based modelling of RNA-mediated gene regulation, with the aim of producing high-impact publications in leading peer-reviewed journals.
• Designing, implementing, and optimising advanced neural network architectures tailored to biological sequence and network data, with a particular focus on RNA-mediated gene interactions.
• Applying interpretable machine learning techniques to integrate diverse biological datasets and identify key regulatory elements for further experimental validation.
• Collaborating closely with experimental researchers to align modelling outputs with hypothesis-driven laboratory studies.
• Supervising and/or co-supervising students working on computational biology and machine learning projects.

The Person

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with:

• A PhD (or near completion) in Computer Science, Computational Biology, Mathematics, Bioinformatics, or a related discipline.
• Proven expertise in machine learning and algorithm development, with advanced skills in deep learning methods such as graph neural networks, attention mechanisms, and multi-modal data integration.
• A working knowledge of RNA biology, including experience in modelling RNA isoform diversity or RNA–protein interactions.
• A track record of independent research, evidenced by publications in peer-reviewed journals and/or presentations at scientific conferences.
• Experience mentoring or supervising students in a research setting.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a research environment.

The School

The John Curtin School of Medical Research (JCSMR) is a foundational research institution within the ANU College of Science and Medicine, and discoveries originating from JCSMR research have led to 3 Nobel prizes in Medicine and Physiology. Its mission is to decipher the intricate biological mechanisms crucial to human health, by delving into the vast enigmas of the genome, immune responses, and the brain, and leveraging these insights for the benefit of humanity. The school's three divisions—Genome Science and Cancer, Immunology and Infectious Diseases (IID), and Neuroscience—reflect these thematic focuses and are complemented by interdisciplinary, cross-functional centers such as the Shine-Dalgarno Centre for RNA Innovation, the Eccles Institute, and the Centre for Computational Biomedical Sciences. Learn more about JCSMR’s groundbreaking research and world-class facilities at https://jcsmr.anu.edu.au/.

The College

The ANU College of Science and Medicine encompasses the disciplines of: Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Environment and Society, Mathematics, Physics, and Science Communication and is also home to a number of cross-disciplinary and specialist Institutes and Centres.  Staff and students within the ANU College of Science and Medicine conduct research and deliver a research-led education program that encompasses the breadth of the sciences, supported by extensive international networks and by world-class facilities. 

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For further information please contact, Associate Professor Jean Wen at Jiayu.Wen@anu.edu.au

The University actively encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. For more information on employment opportunities, contact our Indigenous Employment Consultant on indigenous.employment@anu.edu.au  

ANU values diversity and inclusion and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to those of all backgrounds and identities. For more information about staff equity at ANU, visit https://services.anu.edu.au/human-resources/respect-inclusion

Application information

In order to apply for this role please make sure that you upload the following documents:

• A statement addressing the selection criteria.
• A current curriculum vitae (CV) which includes the names and contact details of at least three referees (preferably including a current or previous supervisor). If your CV does not include referees you can complete these online when prompted in the application form.
• Other documents, if required.

Applications which do not address the selection criteria may not be considered for the position.

Please note: The successful candidate must have rights to live and work in this country and will be required to undergo a background check during the recruitment process.  An offer of employment is conditional on satisfactory results.