Postdoctoral Fellow in AI

Your group

The Petroni lab at EMBL Rome is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to conduct research on AI-driven Scientific Discovery. Our overarching goal is to research and develop AI agents that collaborate with researchers throughout the discovery journey by understanding multi-modal and multi-omics data, executing literature research, and brainstorming hypotheses and ideas, ultimately accelerating scientific breakthroughs.

Your role

You will collaborate with researchers in the lab to investigate how existing foundational models can understand biology, fine-tune on multi-modal/omics data, integrate tools and knowledge sources, and embed these agents within real laboratory workflows. Beyond training new models, you will focus on evaluation, characterization of existing workflows, and creation of resources to enable AI/ML-driven optimization of scientific processes.

You have

A Ph.D. in computer science, computer engineering, bioinformatics, computational biology, or related fields

Strong experience in machine learning, large language models, and predictive modeling

Proficiency in Python programming

Publications in relevant research areas

Interest in collaborative projects within a large scientific organization

Ability to work independently and in teams, at the interface between life sciences and computer science

Excellent communication and presentation skills, high motivation, and fluency in English

You may also have

Experience with benchmarking and evaluation methodologies

Experience with agent-based systems or tool integration

Publications in AI for science or computational biology

Experience with multi-omics data analysis

Knowledge of molecular biology or life sciences research workflows

Contract length: 2 years, with possibility of extension

Professional development support

The EMBL Fellows’ Career Service provides support and guidance to predoctoral and postdoctoral fellows across all six EMBL’s sites.

Working with a dedicated Careers Advisor, this invaluable service will help you to take informed decisions about your career planning both in the short and longer term. Whether your main interest is pursuing a career path in academia, exploring opportunities in industry or exploring an independent venture, the EMBL Fellows’ Career Service with provide you with a portfolio of activities and resources to help you.

To find out more please visit - EMBL-fellows-career-service

Why join us

Join a culture of innovation

We are located on the Wellcome Genome Campus, alongside other prominent research and biotech organisations, and surrounded by beautiful Cambridgeshire countryside. This is a highly collaborative and inclusive community where our employees enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. We are committed to ensuring our employees feel valued, supported and empowered to reach their professional potential.

Enjoy lots of employee benefits:

Financial incentives: Monthly family and child allowances, generous stipend reviewed yearly, pension scheme, death benefit and unemployment insurances

Flexible working arrangements including hybrid working patterns

Private medical insurance for you and your immediate family

Generous time off: 30 days annual leave per year in addition to public holidays

Campus life: Free shuttle bus to and from work (Heidelberg), on-site library, subsidised on-site gym and cafeteria, casual dress code, extensive sports and social club activities (on campus and remotely)

Family benefits: Kindergarten (Heidelberg), 10 days of child sick leave, paid maternity & parental leave, holiday clubs on campus and monthly family and child allowances

What else you need to know

International applicants: We recruit internationally and successful candidates are offered visa exemptions. Read more on our page for international applicants.

Diversity and inclusion: At EMBL, we strongly believe that inclusive and diverse teams benefit from higher levels of innovation and creative thought. We encourage applications from women, LGBTQ+ & individuals from all nationalities.

Job location: All our fellowships are based on-site (for at least part of each week). If you are living overseas, you will receive a generous relocation package to support you.

EMBL is a signatory of DORA. Find out how we apply DORA principles to our recruitment and performance assessment processes here

How to apply: To apply please submit a cover letter and a CV through our online system. Applications will close at 23:59 CET on the date shown below. We aim to provide a response within two weeks after the closing date.

Closing Date21/10/2025

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