Postdoctoral Researcher in Computational Biology and Machine Learning

About the role

The Chu Lab in the Department of Genome Sciences at the University of Virginia School of Medicine is seeking Postdoctoral Researcher positions in computational biology and machine learning. The lab focuses on developing modern machine learning, generative modeling, and statistical learning frameworks to decipher single-cell and spatial transcriptomics data, aiming to understand cellular and tissue dynamics in cancer, inflammation, and tissue senescence.

Research directions

• Developing neural differential equation and continuous-time dynamical models for spatial and single-cell transcriptomics to dissect cell–cell interactions and perturbation responses in complex tissue microenvironments.
• Building generative models of single-cell and spatial data to characterize cellular and tissue heterogeneity in cancer, inflammation, and tissue senescence.
• Developing next-generation deep-learning and statistical deconvolution methods for inferring gene regulation from bulk, single-cell, and spatial-omics data.
• Candidates are encouraged to develop independent research directions aligned with the lab's interests.

About the PI

The lab is led by Dr. Tinyi Chu, Assistant Professor since 2026. Dr. Chu received his Ph.D. in Computational Biology from Cornell University and completed postdoctoral training at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Yale University. His work has been published in Nature Cancer, Nature Genetics, and Cell Stem Cell, focusing on statistical method development, cancer transcriptional regulation, and spatial transcriptomics. He is the lead developer of BayesPrism, a Bayesian deconvolution framework selected as a Nature Cancer 2022 highlight. Dr. Chu's research has been recognized with a Damon Runyon Quantitative Biology Fellowship and is currently supported by an NIH K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award (NHGRI) and substantial UVA institutional startup funding.

Mentorship and Career Development

The Chu Lab fosters a collaborative environment where trainees are valued as scientific collaborators. As a postdoctoral scientist, you will receive individualized mentorship tailored to your career goals, engage directly in algorithm and model development, and share co-ownership of the science. The PI maintains an open-door policy, meets regularly with trainees, and supports their research. You will also receive training in scientific writing, proposal preparation, and fellowship applications, and will be supported to apply for independent fellowships. Visibility is provided through presentations at top-tier venues and assistance in building your professional network.

Environment

The Chu Lab is part of a vibrant interdisciplinary research community at UVA, collaborating across the UVA School of Medicine. The lab has access to UVA's high-performance computing resources and core facilities supporting genomics and imaging. Charlottesville, Virginia, offers a highly livable university town with excellent quality of life, affordability, and rich cultural and outdoor offerings.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Computational Biology, Biophysics, Engineering, or a related quantitative discipline, in hand by the appointment start date.
• Strong foundational knowledge in mathematics and statistics.
• Proficiency in PyTorch (or equivalent deep-learning frameworks).
• At least one peer-reviewed publication in the previous area of research (not necessarily biology-related).
• Genuine intellectual curiosity for solving biological problems through quantitative approaches.
• Prior experience with spatial transcriptomics, single-cell omics, or related biological datasets is a plus but not required; candidates from purely computational backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply; domain-specific biological knowledge can be acquired on the job.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with spatial transcriptomics, single-cell omics, or related biological datasets.

Position Details

• 12-month appointment with the possibility of renewal contingent upon satisfactory performance and funding availability.
• Salary is commensurate with education and experience.
• This is a temporary position for postdoctoral research and scholarship at the University.
• Applicants are encouraged to present their research at top-tier venues and build their professional network.
• The position will sponsor applicants for work visas who meet the qualifications.
• Start date is available immediately; the start date is flexible.

Application Instructions

To apply, please visit Careers at UVA and search for R0083959. Complete an application online with the following documents:

• Contact information for 3 references.

All required documents must be uploaded into the resume submission field, or merged into one PDF for submission. Internal applicants should search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website. For questions about the application process, please contact Bill Crane, Academic Recruiter at Xer5ff@virginia.edu.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.