Commission Freelance Computer Science Jobs in Washington, DC

Job Description Summary
Organization's Summary Statement:
The postdoctoral research associate is responsible for developing novel computational methodology for high-throughput sequence genomics tasks, as well as for building efficient and robust implementations of these methods. The primary focus is on the development of methods for single-cell transcriptomic (RNA-seq) and ATAC-seq data, specifically in the single-cell context, though projects related to long-read RNA-sequencing and to foundational algorithmic and data structural questions is also within scope. The postdoctoral research associate leads their own project, as well as to collaborating with other members of the lab. The Patro lab has a strong commitment to open science, and to developing efficient, robust, usable and free and open-source software.
Duties include:
• Designing and developing novel computational methodologies for the processing
and analysis of high-throughput sequencing data
• Writing robust and efficient implementations of novel computational methods in a
"high-performance" programming language (Rust, C, C++, Zig) and integrating
these new tools with exisitng software developed by the lab
• Preparing, writing, and editing scientific manuscripts
• Collaborating with and co-mentoring PhD students
• Assisting in the writing and preparation of funding proposals (NSF, NIH, and
other relevant foundations or opportunities)
Minimum qualifications:
Education: PhD in Computer Science or a closely-related field
Experience: Experience in performing independent research in algorithmic genomics,
and communicating scientific results via scientific publications and presentations.
Experience with handling and analyzing large genomics datasets, as well as experience
in developing software in compiled, statically-typed, garbage-collection-free languages
(e.g. Rust, C, C++, Zig).
Other: Strong written and oral communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills.
Physical Demands: Must be capable of maintaining a stationary position for extended periods. Job requires close-up vision for computer work.
Preferences:
• Experience developing advanced computational methodology for genomics data
processing
• Experience with and knowledge of compact and succinct data structures
• Experience with and knowledge of methods for high-dimenstional statistical
inference (e.g. generative graphical models, maximum likelihood inference,
Bayesian inference, etc.)
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn the Rust programming language
• Experience with data analysis and visualization
• Familiarity with common genomics tools, formats and programs
• Experience with standard *-nix command-line tools and idioms
• Familiarity with reproducible scientific workflow systems, such as Nextflow or
Snakemake
Licenses/ Certifications: N/A
Additional Job Details
The Patro lab is part of the University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies (UMIACS). UMIACS is a multidisciplinary computing research institute led by distinguished researchers and supported by a cutting-edge infrastructure. UMIACS pioneers computational science involving national defense, precision medicine, big data, cybersecurity, language and culture, and more.
Required Application Materials:
1. Personal statement (research vision, accomplishments and approach)
2. CV
3. Research portfolio (2-4 papers or mature pre-prints)
4. Software sample (prefferably hosted on GitHub or a similar service)
5. 2 References
Best Consideration Date: 10/27/2025
Open Until Filled: Yes
Financial Disclosure Required
No
For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.
Department
CMNS-Institute for Advanced Computer Studies
Worker Sub-Type
Faculty Regular
Salary Range
$75,000 - $80,000
Benefits Summary
For more information on Regular Faculty benefits, select this link.
Background Checks
Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.
Employment Eligibility
The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.
EEO Statement
The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University's Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.
Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice
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