Postdoctoral Research Position in Computational Immunology / Bioinformatics

The successful candidate will have extensive experience with bioinformatics (the analysis of bulk and single-cell high-throughput datasets) and will contribute to a research program investigating the mechanisms of immune regulation in sepsis, with a focus on neuroimmune and interorgan communication. It is also desirable for the candidate to have a strong interest in modelling gene regulatory networks, from a machine learning and information theory perspective. This basic research project has strong translational potential and aims to elucidate how immune function is altered during sepsis, with an emphasis on the dynamics and causality of gene regulatory networks, inferred within and across cells. The position will be based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, under the supervision of Prof. Alexandre Steiner (University of Sao Paulo, Brazil) and the co-supervision of Prof. Irina Mohorianu (University of Cambridge, UK).

SPECIFIC AREAS OF EXPERTISE 

• Strong expertise in state-of-the-art transcriptomics and metabolomics analyses, at bulk and single-cell resolutions.
• Good understanding of approaches for inferring gene regulatory networks and for predicting cell-cell interactions.
• Strong interest in adapting machine learning and AI approaches for predicting and characterizing the causality and dynamics in gene regulatory networks, within one modality, as well as integrating complementary modalities (e.g. transcriptomics and metabolomics).
• The project involves the analysis and integration of high-dimensional datasets derived from animal models, human samples and publicly available resources.  

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and apply computational pipelines for high-throughput sequencing data analysis.
• Analyze bulk and single-cell transcriptomic datasets (RNA-seq, scRNA-seq).
• Integrate multi-omics data to uncover novel mechanisms of immune regulation (e.g. MOFA2, MOFA+).
• Collaborate closely with experimental researchers.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in high-impact journals.
• Present findings at local and international conferences.  

REQUIREMENTS

• PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or a related field.
• Strong experience in bioinformatics and analysis of next-generation sequencing data.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as R and/or Python.
• Experience with widely used bioinformatics tools and frameworks (e.g., Seurat, Scanpy, SCENIC/SCENIC+, GENIE3).
• Demonstrated publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
• Excellent communication skills in English.
• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative environment.  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with single-cell omics data analysis.
• Familiarity with statistical analyses and modeling as well as machine learning approaches, supported with strong skills in computational optimization of methods.
• Experience working with large-scale datasets and high-performance computing environments.
• A reasonable knowledge of immunology is also desirable.  

POSITION DETAILS

• Location: São Paulo, Brazil.
• Start date: November 2026.
• Duration: 2 years, with the possibility of extending it for 2 more years.
• Funding: Sao Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP).
• Salary: R$ 12,570 per month (tax free), which is equivalent to approximately USD 2,500. This is 3 times the average net salary in Sao Paulo. Comfortable for a single person; good for a couple.  

ENVIRONMENT

The University of São Paulo is one of the top-ranked universities in Latin America, offering a vibrant and collaborative research environment. The laboratory provides strong integration between computational and experimental research, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Applicants should submit: (1) Curriculum vitae; (2) Cover letter describing research experience and interests; and (3) Contact information for two references. Applications should be sent to Prof. Alexandre Steiner by e-mail (asteiner@usp.br). Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.