Postdoctoral Fellow - Computational RNA Biology

Competition 2363

This position is part of the Post Doctoral Fellows Association and has an initial appointment of one year with the possibility of renewal.

This position has a comprehensive benefits package.

Location - This role is in-person at North Campus, Edmonton.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the Biomedical Engineering - COBRA Lab

RNA therapeutics are reshaping modern medicine—from mRNA vaccines to precision gene modulation. At the COBRA Lab, we advance computational methods that connect RNA structure to function and translate those insights into tangible health benefits. Joining our team means collaborating with researchers across disciplines, seeing your algorithms inform real-world therapies, and contributing to an inclusive scientific community committed to open, rigorous inquiry.

Appointment

• Term: One year with the possibility of renewal
• Salary: CAD $70,000 per year, plus full University of Alberta benefits
• Start date: Flexible (applications reviewed on a rolling basis)
• Work mode: On-site in Edmonton

Research Focus

You will collaborate on projects that:

• Characterize RNA structure–function relationships
• Improve RNA efficiency through informed RNA design
• Predict the effects of genetic mutations on RNA behaviour

All projects share the goal of accelerating RNA-based therapeutic development.

Primary Tasks

• Develop and refine algorithms for RNA secondary and tertiary structure prediction, analysis, and design
• Integrate experimental data with computational models
• Co-author manuscripts and present findings at scientific meetings with lab colleagues
• Contribute to research grant writing
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers and promote an open, inclusive lab culture

Essential Qualifications

• PhD (completed or near completion) in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or a related discipline
• Demonstrated expertise in RNA structure prediction (e.g., dynamic programming, graph grammars, molecular modelling)
• First-author publication in a recognized bioinformatics or computational biology venue (ISMB, RECOMB, WABI, ACM BCB, Bioinformatics, Nucleic Acids Research, etc.)
• Proficiency in Python and C/C++, plus experience with high-performance or cloud computing resources

Desirable Experience

• Machine-learning approaches for molecular problems
• Statistical inference, probabilistic graphical models, or thermodynamic parameter optimization
• Collaboration with experimental teams or analysis of high-throughput structural probing datasets

We Offer

• Salary and comprehensive benefits as stated above
• Access to local and cloud high-performance computing infrastructure
• Support to attend conferences and workshops for the dissemination of research results
• A research environment that values diversity, openness, and mentorship

Application Procedure

To apply, please submit one PDF containing:

1. Cover letter outlining research interests and potential start date
2. Curriculum Vitae with publication list and links to code repositories (if applicable)

Please note that two references will be required from candidates selected to move forward in the later stages of the recruitment process.