Job Description

Position overview Position title: Postdoctoral Scholar

Salary range: See Table 23 for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $69,073 - $82,836.

Percent time: 100%

Anticipated start: Preferred start date January 1, 2026. Date is flexible and can be moved to sooner.

Position duration: 2 years

Application Window

Open date: September 10, 2025

Next review date: Friday, Oct 10, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Wednesday, Sep 9, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The Rube Lab at University of California, Merced is looking for an ambitious Postdoctoral Scholar to carry out a project that leverages compressed sensing to accelerate proteomics research. The position is NSF-funded, and the scholar will work closely with Drs. Tomas Rube (UC Merced) and Marko Jovanovic (Columbia University). This research opportunity will primarily focus on developing computational methods for designing and interpreting pooled high-throughput experiments. The work will be done in close collaboration with a larger team that integrates computational and experimental technologies into a platform that detects protein-protein interactions with drastically increased scale and efficiency.

The ideal candidate has experience or a strong desire to build bioinformatics tools for interpreting high-throughput mass spectrometry or DNA sequencing data. The Rube lab is an inclusive and collaborative environment that prioritizes team science. The postdoctoral scholar will have opportunities to both contribute to and lead research projects.

Responsibilities of this position will include:

• Develop state-of-the-art methods for designing and interpreting compressive measurements.
• Work closely with experimental scientists to iteratively improve the platform.
• Disseminate results through high-quality publications in peer-reviewed journals and at national and international conferences.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students in the lab.
• Participate in professional development activities.
• Ensure best practices in data and project management.
• Stay current with technological advancements and apply this knowledge to enhancing ongoing research initiatives.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

A PhD (or equivalent international degree), completed before the start date of the position, in a relevant field, such as bioinformatics, statistics, genomics, applied mathematics, computer science, electrical engineering or physics.

Preferred qualifications

• A deep understanding of statistical modeling, inference, and compressed sensing.
• Experience deriving biological insights from large datasets, including mass-spectrometry and DNA-sequencing datasets.
• Proficiency in Python or another general-purpose programming language and experience with high-performance computing.
• Publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

• Cover Letter

• Authorization to Release Information Form - As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

  Misconduct means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.

  Required Authorization of Information Release may be found here. Please complete, sign, and upload the required Authorization of Information Release to your application.

• Scientific Writing Sample - A scientific writing sample, such as a manuscript or a thesis chapter

Reference requirements

• 3 required (contact information only)

Help contact:

About UC Merced

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

Misconduct means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.

Required Authorization of Information Release may be found here. Please complete, sign, and upload the required Authorization of Information Release to your application.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the US. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Additional links: UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy, the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy, and APM 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses. Ranked as one of the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and recently designated as an R1 institution by Carnegie, UC Merced is committed to innovation and excellence in research. With over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students (analytics-hub/student-statistics), UC Merced provides outstanding, inclusive educational opportunities to highly qualified students from the heart of California, the nation, and abroad. The campus has special connections to nearby Yosemite National Park; is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design; and supports the economic development of Central California.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements. This includes the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs.

Job location

Merced, CA

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