Postdoctoral Fellow in Computational Biology and Machine Learning

International Laboratory of Statistical and Computational Genomics (SCG Lab) in Moscow, Russia, invites applications for postdoctoral research positions in the field of evolutionary genomics and machine learning (ML). Research is focused on developing novel ML approaches and models for large-scale genomic analyses to identify and engineer novel enzymes for biotechnology and biomedicine. Specifically, we focus on identifying and developing synthetic CRISPR-Cas proteins in silico and their applications by combining methods of comparative genomics, evolutionary analyses, structural modeling, protein language models, and ML approaches.

Requirements

The general requirements for the postdoctoral fellowship positions are the following:

• Candidates must hold a recent PhD in the field of computational biology, computer science, molecular biology, engineering or related areas which was awarded over the last 5 years or received before starting work at HSE in a relevant field by an internationally recognized university and has been assessed by external reviewers as having the potential to pursue research that is publishable in leading peer-reviewed journals;
• Candidates should have a strong background in one or more of the subjects such as molecular biology, machine learning, program engineering, comparative and evolutionary genomics ability to conduct independent research and present results.
• Fluent English is an obligatory condition as research and other activities are conducted in English. Knowledge of Russian is not required;
• Relevant experience will be an asset although not required.

The position involves:

• working under the direct supervision of Sergey Shmakov, PhD, senior research fellow in the SCG Lab;
• participants are encouraged to pursue their own research along with working on SCG Lab research projects such as:

o  Search for Novel CRISPR-Cas-like Genes: CRISPR-Cas are adaptive defense systems in prokaryotes. While they were adapted as biotechnological tools that revolutionized research and biomedicine, they have limited functionality. We aim to apply ML approaches to search for new variants of guided programmable systems within the vast repertoire of defense systems and mobile genetic elements, in order to identify novel proteins that can be utilized for genome editing and beyond.
o  Develop Generative ML Models to Create Synthetic Genome Editors: CRISPR-Cas evolved as adaptive immunity in prokaryotes and is not optimized for biotechnological applications. We aim to resolve this problem by using protein language models to generate synthetic protein sequences that will overcome the inherited limitations of CRISPR-Cas enzymes.
o  Characterize Unknown Genes and Genomic Elements at Scale: A large number of genes remain uncharacterized. We aim to develop ML approaches and graph models to characterize these genes by utilizing genomic context and the vast amount of genomic data available.

• writing research papers for international peer-reviewed journals in co-authorship with the members of the SCG Lab;
• participation in the events of the SCG Lab and other contribution to the Lab’s development;
• public presentations of candidate’s own research to the academic community;
• some teaching is encouraged, though not required.

Conditions

Appointments are made for one year. Postdoctoral fellows have high opportunity of renewal of the contract (no more than two times) in case of outstanding performance.

HSE University offers postdoctoral fellows a competitive salary, the standard medical insurance plan; a working space equipped with a computer and free Internet access at the University.

The SCG Lab offers access to its resources, as well as HSE supercomputer and HSE library. The lab is located in a historic center that offers all the amenities of a modern city.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted online. Please provide a CV, a statement of research interest and a recent research paper submitted via the online application form. At least two letters of recommendation should be sent directly to the International Faculty Recruitment Office at fellowship@hse.ru before the application deadline. Please note that direct applications to the hiring laboratory may not be reviewed.

Read more about the application process here.

The deadline for the applications is January 31, 2026

Apply now

For more information:

• about Postdoctoral Fellowship -Frequently Asked Questions
• about HSE university –official web-site
• about the SCG Lab– official web-site of the Laboratory or contact Sergey Shmakov at sshmakov@hse.ru directly
• about international specialists' life in Moscow -International Faculty Support page

If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact the International Faculty Recruitment Office at fellowship@hse.ru