Job Description

Position Title: Research Scientist - School of Biological Sciences

Education

Competitive applicants should have a Ph.D. in Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Bioinformatics, Biological or Environmental Engineering, Ecology, Microbiology, Soil Science, Biochemistry, or other relevant disciplines.

The candidate should have:

• Substantial knowledge/experience in Artificial Intelligence, Quantitative Ecology, Microbial Ecology and Evolution, Metagenomics, Applied Mathematics in Dynamical Systems, or related disciplines;
• For type A positions:

o Strong research experience and skills in various aspects of computing, including but not limited to the following: algorithm development, predictive model design and implementation, data mining and machine learning, big data processing and management, parallel programming, computational tool/pipeline development, supercomputing, and/or cloud computing.

o Experience in microbiome and system biology studies related to bioenergy, climate change, environment pollution, or human health would be desired;

• For type B positions:

o Strong research experience and skills in molecular biology, ecosystem ecology, (meta)genomics, soil science, bioinformatics, or microbial ecology and evolution.

o General programming or molecular experiment skills are required.

• For both types:

o Excellent oral and written communication skills and a demonstrated ability to interact and collaborate with team members and students;

o Experience in proposal development, although not required.

Interested applicants should prepare the following documents:

• A letter of application
• A current curriculum vitae
• A description of research interests and accomplishments
• The names and contact information for at least three references

ALL APPLICANTS MUST APPLY ONLINE. Inquiries should be directed to: Dr. Jizhong (Joe) Zhou ( jzhou@ou.edu ) or Daliang Ning ( ningdaliang@ou.edu ). Salary will be commensurate with experience, expertise and skills. Further information about the institute can be found on the IEG website:

The University of Oklahoma (OU), Norman campus, seeks to fill multiple full-time Research Scientist positions (3) in Artificial Intelligence, Quantitative Ecology, Computational Biology, or Microbial Ecology and Evolution to support research and educational programs in Environmental Microbiome/Genomics/Ecology, at the Institute for Environmental Genomics (IEG, ).

The research areas of type A positions include one or more of the following topics: (i) development and application of AI-based algorithms/tools for microbial and ecosystem ecology research, particularly deep learning or large language models; (ii) development and application of novel mathematical/computational algorithms, biogeochemical models, or other mathematical frameworks enhanced by big microbiome data analysis; (iii) design and develop computational tools or pipelines for mathematical/statistical analysis of microbiome data (sequencing and gene chip data). Other responsibilities include: (i) managing different servers, pipelines, and cloud computing systems; (ii) coordinating the efforts for applying supercomputing to microbiome studies; and (iii) training postdocs and graduate students for AI and other advanced computational and statistical approaches.

The research areas of type B positions include one or more of the following topics: (i) microbial and plant-microbe interactions and soil health; (ii) microbial evolution and its roles in community dynamics and ecosystem functioning; (iii) synthetic communities for theoretical and applied microbiome research. (iv) development and application of cutting-edge molecular technologies (e.g., long-read sequencing, CRISPR-CAS system, functional gene microarray, etc.) for microbial ecology research. Other responsibilities include: (i) managing field and laboratory experiment systems; (ii) coordinating the efforts for field studies; and (iii) training postdocs and graduate students.

Opportunities exist for the scientists to participate in grant proposal development as a PI or Co-PI. The scientists can also hold adjunct faculty positions within relevant academic departments, such as the School of Biological Sciences or the School of Computer Science.

Review of applications will begin on January 15, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. A near-term start date is desired.

The University, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, gender identity/expression (consistent with applicable law), age (40 or older), religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, housing, financial aid, and educational services.

Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma

The University of Oklahoma values our community's unique talents, perspectives, and experiences. At OU, we aspire to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere. You Belong Here!

Mission of the University of Oklahoma

The Mission of the University of Oklahoma is to provide the best possible educational experience for our students through excellence in teaching, research and creative activity, and service to the state and society.

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