Research Scientist- Das Lab

Job description - The Das lab (www.jishnulab.org) seeks a Research Scientist to lead projects that use machine learning and network-based approaches to integrate multi-omic data, including single-cell, spatial, genomic, and proteomic modalities, in the context of infectious and autoimmune disease. The Research Scientist will develop and apply interpretable computational frameworks to uncover the cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive immune responses and disease outcomes, working closely with experimental and clinical collaborators. Beyond their own research program, the successful candidate will take on managerial responsibilities for other lab projects. These include coordinating timelines and deliverables, and contributing to manuscript preparation and grant writing.

Skills required - Candidates must hold a PhD in computational biology, systems immunology, or a related field, and have at least three years of relevant post-PhD research experience. A strong publication record and demonstrated expertise in machine learning, network inference, or multi-omic data analysis are expected.

Other information - Our based in the Department of Immunology and part of the Center for Systems Immunology, offers a highly interdisciplinary and collaborative training environment at the interface of systems biology, AI/ML and immunology. Recent representative publications from the lab (relevant to this role) include SLIDE (Rahimikollu et al Nature Methods 2024), SWING (Siwek et al Nature Methods 2025) and CoreNet (Omelchenko et al Nature Communications 2026). The Research Scientist will receive strong support for professional growth, including opportunities to lead high-impact publications, take part in grant development, build leadership and mentoring skills, and present work at national and international meetings. The position is well suited to someone looking to establish an independent research identity within a vibrant, supportive, and intellectually ambitious community.

• Experience with network-based inference, dynamical systems, or integrative modeling approaches is a plus.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to contribute to manuscript and grant writing.
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively, manage multiple projects, and mentor junior lab members.
• Familiarity with high-performance computing (HPC) environments and reproducible research practices (e.g., Git, Snakemake, Docker) is preferred.

This position offers a unique opportunity to lead and contribute to cutting-edge research at the interface of computation, immunology, and biological data analysis. The successful candidate will work closely with a multidisciplinary team of scientists, PhD candidates and collaborators across the university.

Conducts independent scientific research projects from inception to presentation. Prepares and crafts various documentations of research results into manuscripts, proposals, grant applications, and presentations. Trains undergraduates and research technicians. Manages laboratory policies and coordinates project development in collaboration with other specialists.

Conducts independent scientific research projects from inception to presentation. Prepares and crafts various documentations of research results into manuscripts, proposals, grant applications, and presentations. Trains undergraduates and research technicians. Manages laboratory policies and coordinates project development in collaboration with other specialists.

• Conduct independent and collaborative research in the field of computational systems immunology, with an emphasis on developing and applying methods in machine learning, data integration, and computational modeling.
• Contribute broadly to the analysis and interpretation of high-dimensional, next-generation sequencing datasets, including single-cell and multi-omic data from human and model systems.
• Participate in the design and implementation of computational strategies to study immune responses, cellular dynamics, and gene regulation.
• Lead or support the preparation of scientific manuscripts, presentations, and grant proposals.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior lab members, including trainees and technical staff.
• Actively engage in lab meetings, collaborative projects, and ongoing scientific discussions within the lab and across the broader research community.
• Help maintain a productive and inclusive lab environment that fosters innovation, rigorous science, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

• Conduct independent and collaborative research in the field of computational systems immunology, with an emphasis on developing and applying methods in machine learning, data integration, and computational modeling.
• Contribute broadly to the analysis and interpretation of high-dimensional, next-generation sequencing datasets, including single-cell and multi-omic data from human and model systems.
• Participate in the design and implementation of computational strategies to study immune responses, cellular dynamics, and gene regulation.
• Lead or support the preparation of scientific manuscripts, presentations, and grant proposals.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior lab members, including trainees and technical staff.
• Actively engage in lab meetings, collaborative projects, and ongoing scientific discussions within the lab and across the broader research community.
• Help maintain a productive and inclusive lab environment that fosters innovation, rigorous science, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Minimal Physical Effort.

Minimal Physical Effort.

The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.