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We are looking for a PhD student in Medical Science, AI and Bioinformatics.

Your work assignments

This project aims to develop AI foundation models for integrative single-cell and multi-omics analysis to better understand how molecular and cellular processes are coordinated across cells, tissues, and organ systems in human health and disease. You will be responsible for developing and applying advanced AI and bioinformatics approaches to large-scale single-cell and multi-omics datasets. The project will focus on integrating these data to investigate cellular and tissue-specific signalling, molecular communication, and systemic molecular networks, and to identify how these processes change across physiological and disease states. Through this work, you will develop predictive and biologically interpretable models that connect molecular patterns across multiple scales of human biology.

The project lies at the interface of artificial intelligence, computational biology, systems medicine, and precision health, and will involve close interaction with researchers from both computational and biomedical disciplines. In addition to the core project, the successful candidate will have opportunities to develop related research questions based on their interests and emerging findings. Through this, you will develop broad expertise in AI and multi-omics analysis and grow as an independent researcher prepared for a future career in academia, biotechnology, or data-driven precision medicine.

As a PhD student, you devote most of your time to doctoral studies and the research projects of which you are part. Your work may also include teaching or other departmental duties, up to a maximum of 20 per cent of full-time.

Your qualifications 

You have graduated at Master’s level in AI, Bioinformatics, Systems Biology, or related discipline, or completed courses with a minimum of 240 credits, at least 60 of which must be in advanced courses. Alternatively, you have gained essentially corresponding knowledge in another way.

In addition, the following are requirements for the role:

• Strong programming and quantitative skills, particularly in Python and/or R.
• Experience in deep learning, machine learning, or large-scale omics data analysis.
• A high level of self-motivation and independence, good problem-solving skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment.
• The ability to communicate fluently in English, both written and spoken.

The following qualifications are not essential but are considered highly beneficial:

• Experience with foundation models, transformers, generative models, or representation learning.
• Experience analysing large-scale single-cell omics data.
• Experience with integrative multi-omics data, such as genomics, proteomics, or metabolomics.
• Experience with relevant machine-learning frameworks, such as PyTorch, and high-performance computing (HPC) environments.
• Knowledge of molecular and cellular biology, systems biology, or precision medicine.

Finally, a letter of intent should be attached to the application describing how your background, skills, and research interests make you a good match for the project on AI foundation models for integrative single-cell and multi-omics analysis. In the same document please also briefly describe a research question or direction within AI, single-cell biology, multi-omics, or systems medicine that you would be interested in exploring during your PhD.

Your workplace

You will be employed in the research group led by Associate Professor Wen Zhong, fellow in the Swedish national program for Data-Driven Life Science (DDLS). The group is located in the Division of Cell and Neurobiology (CNB), at the Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), Linköping.  

The research group focuses on integrative multi-omics, the interplay between genetic variation and human phenotypes, and the development of AI-driven approaches to better understand human biology and disease and to translate these insights into data-driven strategies for precision health.

The employment

In connection with your admission to the doctoral program, your employment as a PhD student is handled. More information about the doctoral studies at each faculty is available at Doctoral studies at Linköping University

The employment has a duration of normally four years’ full-time equivalent. Extension of employment up to five years is based on the degree of teaching and institutional assignment. Further extensions may be granted in exceptional circumstances. You will initially be employed for one year, after which your employment will be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time, depending on your progress through the study plan. 

Starting date by agreement.  

Salary and employment benefits

The salary of PhD students is determined according to a locally negotiated salary progression.

More information about employment benefits at Linköping University is available here.

Union representatives

Information about union representatives, see Help for applicants.

Application procedure

Apply for the position by clicking the “Apply” button below. Your application must reach Linköping University no later than 261030.

Applications and documents received after the date above will not be considered.