Postdoctoral Position (R2/R3): AI for Next-Generation Biomarker Discovery Using Foundation Models for Tissue Spatial Interconnections Search Computer Vision Center in Spain

Postdoctoral Position (R2/R3) at the Computer Vision Center, Barcelona, Spain

This postdoctoral opportunity is in the emerging field of AI for next-generation biomarker discovery, with a focus on foundation models for tissue spatial interconnections search. The position is hosted by the Computer Vision Center (CVC), a leading non-profit research center in Barcelona affiliated with the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. The successful candidate will join the newly established Computational Pathology Group led by Dr Francesco Ciompi and work in a highly collaborative environment with researchers, engineers, and pathologists.

The project addresses an important clinical challenge in oncology: although cancer treatments are expanding, only a subset of patients responds well. The goal is to develop an AI-driven computational pathology framework that can discover novel biomarkers from large-scale patient datasets containing clinical, molecular, and outcome data such as survival, recurrence, and treatment response. The expected outcome is a framework that can improve patient selection for oncological treatments and help advance understanding of interactions among tissue types and cells under different therapies.

Research activities include developing vision-language foundation models for digital pathology image analysis, building AI agents for biomarker discovery, and contributing to the creation of a new research group in Barcelona. The postdoc will also collaborate closely with the Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) in Barcelona and maintain a strong connection with the Computational Pathology Group at Radboud University Medical Center in Nijmegen, the Netherlands.

The position is open to candidates at both R2 and R3 career stages who want to develop an independent research line in computational pathology, secure competitive funding, and lead junior staff. The ideal profile includes a PhD in medical image analysis, computer vision, or machine learning; strong deep learning and Python programming experience; interest in medical applications; and good communication, organization, autonomy, and English proficiency. Experience in computational pathology is valued, and agentic AI or vision-language foundation models are considered advantages.

The contract is full-time (37.5 hours per week) and can last up to three years, subject to project funding conditions. The CVC offers a competitive salary, flexible working hours, relocation support, and an international, multidisciplinary work environment. The expected starting date is Q4 2026. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, although the listed deadline is 30 September 2026.

To apply, candidates must submit their application through the online form and include a full CV and contact details. For scientific questions, contact [email protected]; for administrative or technical issues, contact [email protected].