Postdoc in Biological Data Systems, Alpha Cell Program KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden

The Alpha Cell Program at KTH Royal Institute of Technology and SciLifeLab is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher in Biological Data Systems. This innovative program aims to build the first molecular-level computational model of the human cell, leveraging the Human Protein Atlas (HPA), a world-leading resource for spatial molecular biology. The HPA provides millions of images and extensive molecular measurements, openly accessible to researchers globally.

The postdoc will be embedded within the Human Protein Atlas at KTH and SciLifeLab, collaborating with the Avlant Nilsson cancer cell modeling lab and Wei Ouyang’s AICell lab. Together, the team will develop foundational cell models based on HPA and other large-scale datasets. The role centers on establishing scalable, standardized, and AI-ready data infrastructure for computational modeling, integrating and structuring large biological datasets, and supporting open science and emerging AI-driven workflows.

Responsibilities include developing systems and services to make biological data accessible to AI and computational tools, enhancing data integration, annotation, structure, and accessibility, connecting external datasets, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. The position offers a highly dynamic environment where imaging, molecular data, and computational methods are developed in parallel.

Applicants must have a doctoral degree in bioinformatics, computational biology, cell biology with a strong computational component, or a closely related field, completed by the time of employment. Required skills include a strong understanding of biological datasets and modalities relevant to cell biology (imaging, transcriptomics, proteomics, spatial omics), experience with open databases and bioinformatic tools, strong programming skills (Python or similar), collaborative development experience (e.g. Git/GitHub), and proficiency with AI-assisted coding tools. Communication and collaboration skills are essential.

Preferred qualifications include a doctoral degree obtained within the last three years, experience with large heterogeneous datasets, building scalable or automated data processing workflows, APIs or data services for scientific datasets, familiarity with Model Context Protocol or similar systems, infrastructure for machine learning workflows, and contributions to open data platforms. Awareness of diversity and equal opportunity issues, with a focus on gender equality, is valued.

The position is full-time, for up to two years, with a monthly salary and attractive benefits provided by KTH. The start date is November 1st or as agreed. Applications must be submitted via KTH's recruitment system, including a CV, diplomas and grades, translations if necessary, and a brief account of research interests and goals. The deadline for applications is August 3, 2026.

For further information, contact Kalle Von Feilitzen at [email protected]. Join KTH and SciLifeLab to advance the frontiers of computational cell biology in a creative and dynamic research environment.