Position Function
The CELLestials Lab led by Dr. Ayshwarya Subramanian at Cornell University is seeking a highly motivated researcher to develop and apply cutting-edge artificial intelligence approaches for conservation genomics.
The successful candidate will lead the development of novel AI frameworks that:
(i) integrate thousands of genome assemblies and multimodal biological datasets to uncover the genomic determinants of species resilience, adaptation, and extinction vulnerability, and
(ii) translate these genomic insights into actionable, decision-ready strategies for conservation.
This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the frontier of AI, genomics, and conservation biology, collaborating with world-class researchers while working with some of the largest genomic datasets (e.g. Vertebrate Genomes Project (VGP), California Conservation Genomes Project (CCGP)) ever assembled.
The project is part of GAIA (Genomic Artificial Intelligence Applications), a major collaborative initiative that brings together partners from Revive & Restore, the Vertebrate Genome Laboratory at Rockefeller University, and other academic and non-academic collaborators including Google AI Genomics, thus expanding opportunities for networking and mentorship. Together, the consortium is building transformative AI tools to accelerate biodiversity science and enable data-driven conservation interventions. This position is supported by the Bezos Earth Fund.
Two central goals of GAIA are:
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To build an AI Genome Curation Assistant (Jarvis): an AI system that combines modern machine learning approaches with large-scale biological data to automate genome curation by detecting, interpreting, and correcting structural errors, reducing manual effort from weeks to minutes thus that allowing to scale up to thousands of species per year;
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To build Genera, a multimodal AI system that integrates genomic and ecological data to assess extinction risk and generate actionable genetic rescue strategies for conservation practitioners.
The Postdoctoral Associate will primarily focus on the development of Genera, with opportunities to collaborate closely with the Jarvis development team and broader GAIA partners.
The candidate will benefit from access to a vibrant and deeply interdisciplinary research ecosystem at Cornell, including the Cornell AI Initiative, Cornell Biodiversity Initiative, K. Lisa Yang Center for Wildlife Health, Center for Comparative and Population Genomics, the Lab of Ornithology, and the Center for Vertebrate Genomics —providing exceptional opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and intellectual exchange.
Anticipated Division of Time
80% Research: Build, train, and evaluate cutting-edge AI models and multi-agent systems for conservation genomics; perform feature engineering using chromosome-level genome assemblies.
15% Writing: Contribute to scientific manuscripts, progress reports, and collaborative research efforts.
5% Professional Development.
Requirements
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PhD Degree in computational biology, bioinformatics, computer science, electrical engineering, or a related field.
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3+ years of experience achieving impactful results including publications using relevant AI/ML/related techniques and genomic data analysis.
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Background in and motivation for genomics or/and biodiversity conservation studies.
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Strong background in AI/ML fundamentals and extensive experience with deep learning (DL) methods.
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Demonstrated proficiency in Python and machine learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, Jax, scikit-learn) applied to genomic/related datasets.
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Experience with sequence modeling architectures and interpretable AI methods (SHAP, Integrated Gradients, etc.).
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Demonstrated ability to stay up to date with advances in AI and apply new methods to research problems.
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Independent, highly motivated, and collaborative researcher able to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
Supervision Exercised
This position involves close collaboration with bioinformaticians, genomic consortia, and multidisciplinary research teams. Functional supervision may be exercised over graduate and undergraduate students involved in research projects as needed.
To apply:
Please apply via Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/31937
Qualified candidates should submit a short cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references via the website.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled; applicants are encouraged to apply early for full consideration.
Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League and Land-grant university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.
Cornell’s regional and global presence includes state-wide Cornell Cooperative Extension programs and offices in all counties and boroughs, global partnerships with institutions and communities engaged in life-changing research and education, the medical college’s campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, and the Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.
With a founding principle of “any person, any study,” Cornell is an equal opportunity employer
Pay Range:
$62,232.00 - $88,745.00
Pay Ranges:
The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:
Prior relevant work or industry experience.
Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.
Academic Discipline
Unique applicable skills.
Employment Assistance:
For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email [email protected].
If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at [email protected].
Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing [email protected].
Notice to Applicants:
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EEO Statement:
Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
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2026-04-10
