Washington State University, under the guidance of Assistant Professor Stephanie Seifert, is seeking to support a prospective applicant for the NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Biology (PRFB) at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Biology. This prestigious NSF program is designed for recent PhD graduates interested in leveraging AI and machine learning to advance understanding of complex host–virus systems, with a focus on innovative research and training in both biological and computational sciences.

Dr. Seifert's lab offers unique opportunities to work with large-scale transcriptomic datasets from viral infection experiments in bat-derived cell lines, aiming to uncover molecular signatures of host susceptibility, immune response, and cross-species transmission. Additional projects include developing comprehensive databases for rodent-borne viruses, global poxvirus surveillance, and designing data-driven strategies for viral emergence monitoring. The lab environment is ideal for postdocs seeking to build independent research programs at the AI × Biology interface.

The NSF PRFB provides a highly competitive support package, including $110,000 per year for two years (with $85,000 stipend and $25,000 research/training allowance annually). The fellowship is fully funded and aims to foster leaders in biotechnology innovation by supporting interdisciplinary research that applies AI to biological data. Applicants must be recent doctoral recipients with expertise in AI, biology, or both, and should propose additional training in the complementary area. Proposals must be prepared according to NSF guidelines and submitted via Research.gov.

The application deadline is September 29, 2026. Interested candidates are encouraged to review the full solicitation and eligibility criteria, discuss potential projects with Dr. Seifert, and prepare a strong proposal that aligns with the program's focus on AI and biological sciences. This is an excellent opportunity for early-career scientists to launch independent research careers at the forefront of AI-driven biological discovery.