Postdoctoral Researcher: CryoSTEM Foundation Models
The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) is recruiting a
Postdoctoral Researcher
for a cutting-edge project on
CryoSTEM Foundation Models
in the Computing and Mathematical Sciences Division.
This position is based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and sits at the intersection of
computational microscopy
,
machine learning
,
computer vision
, and
parallel systems
. The successful candidate will study the physics and operation of cryogenic scanning transmission electron microscopy (cryoSTEM) instruments, then use that understanding to design new foundation-model architectures for cryoSTEM datasets. The work also includes building distributed training systems capable of handling multi-terabyte biomedical imaging data across large GPU clusters.
The role is embedded in a collaborative research environment and will be jointly guided by
Min Xu
and
Qirong Ho
. Min Xu is an Affiliated Associate Professor of Computer Vision at MBZUAI and an Associate Professor at Carnegie Mellon University, with research spanning computational biology, bioimage informatics, structural biology, and cryo-electron tomography. Qirong Ho is an Assistant Professor of Machine Learning and Computer Science at MBZUAI, with expertise in distributed machine learning and systems architecture. Together, they provide supervision that blends advanced imaging science with scalable AI infrastructure.
Key responsibilities include understanding cryoSTEM microscopy in depth, designing novel foundation models for cryoSTEM data, implementing parallel training systems for large-scale model development, leading research sub-projects, mentoring graduate students and junior researchers, and publishing high-impact research outputs. The position is especially suited to candidates interested in advancing methods that could improve cryoSTEM operation for biological samples and push forward computational biology and machine learning research.
Applicants must hold a PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Biomedical Imaging, Computational Biology, or a closely related discipline. A strong publication record in computational microscopy, computer vision, or parallel machine learning is expected. Experience with biomedical imaging, particularly electron microscopy data, is highly preferred. Strong communication skills and a demonstrated willingness to bridge into complementary areas are important.
MBZUAI highlights competitive global-level compensation, comprehensive health and life insurance, and relocation support for international hires. The university presents itself as a world-leading AI institution with strong industry and government collaborations and a research mission focused on global impact.
Applications are submitted via Interfolio. Candidates should provide a comprehensive CV with a full publication list, a research proposal based on the specified microscopy paper, and the contact information for three professional referees. The deadline is not specified in the posting.
