Postdoctoral Researcher in Machine Learning for Behavioral Data

Reykjavik University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to develop (supervised) machine learning methods for zebrafish behavioral analysis. The position is funded through the LUMI AI Factory (EuroHPC) and focuses on scalable AI-for-science workflows using GPU-accelerated computing.

The postdoc will work at the interface of machine learning, computer vision, and life sciences, in close collaboration with faculty members in Biomedical Engineering and Computer Science.

Research focus

The project addresses a key bottleneck in behavioral neuroscience: extracting robust, biologically meaningful phenotypes (classification) from large-scale video and time-series data. The goal is to develop reproducible, generalizable ML pipelines (incl. pre-processing, feature selection, and classification) for zebrafish behavior that scale to HPC environments and can be reused across studies and domains. Successful application will greatly improve basic research and drug discovery strategies.

Responsibilities

• Develop ML and computer vision pipelines for zebrafish behavioral data
• Implement scalable training and inference workflows (GPU/HPC)
• Collaborate with experimental scientists and contribute to publications and software outputs

Required qualifications

• PhD in Machine Learning, Computer Science, Data Science, Computational Biology, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field
• Experience with applying machine learning and/or computer vision to real-world datasets, preferable in the biomedical context
• Proficiency in Python and Python-based ML frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, JAX)
• Strong publication record in top-tier venues

Desirable qualifications

• Experience with video, behavioral, or biological data
• Familiarity with HPC, GPUs, or distributed training
• Interest in AI-for-science or computational neuroscience

We offer

• A fully funded 2-year postdoctoral position
• Access to LUMI-class supercomputing resources
• An interdisciplinary research environment with real-world AI-for-science impact
• Competitive salary according to Reykjavik University scales
• Conducting research in an international work environment

Reykjavik University (RU), School of Science and Engineering

Duration: 2 years (fixed-term)

Start date: Negotiable

Application

Please submit a CV, a short cover letter, most relevant publications demonstrating relevant expertise (max. 3), and contact details for 2–3 references. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

For further information about the position contact Dr. Karl Ægir Karlsson(Karlk@ru.is) or Christoph Lohrmann ( christophl@ru.is).

About Reykjavik University (RU)

Reykjavík University has around 4.300 students and 300 faculty and employees in addition to numerous adjunct faculty in two schools: Technology and Social Sciences. We offer a welcoming and stimulating environment in which to work and live. The University is centrally located in Reykjavík, the capital city of Iceland. The role of Reykjavik University is to create and disseminate knowledge to enhance the competitiveness and quality of life for individuals and society, guided by good ethics, sustainability, and responsibility. Education and research at RU are based on strong ties with industry and society. We emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration, international relations, and entrepreneurship.

About Iceland

Iceland is well known for its breathtaking natural beauty, with volcanoes, hot springs, lava fields and glaciers offering a dramatic landscape. It consistently ranks as one of the best places in the world to live. It offers a high quality of life and is one of the safest places in the world, with high gender equality and strong healthcare and social support systems. Reykjavik is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city that provides an ideal environment for combining cultural and family activities with an active lifestyle.