Mathematical Optimization Postdoc Jobs in Chicago, IL

Postdoctoral Research Associate in AI for Computational Biology and/or Bioinformatics - Qiu Lab
Hiring Department: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Requisition ID: 1041635
Posting Close Date: 9/5/2026
Salary: The budgeted salary range for this position is $62,232 to $75.564 annually. We strive to provide a competitive salary, considering factors such as available market data, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualifications and budget constraints. The final salary offer will be determined through a thorough assessment of these elements.
About the University of Illinois Chicago
UIC is among the nation's preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent "Best Colleges" rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
Position Summary
Postdoctoral researcher positions in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics are available in the Qiu lab at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). Dr. Yuchi Qiu (https://yuchiqiu.github.io) is a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics (BCMG), and a faculty member in the Center for Bioinformatics and Quantitative Biology (CBQB) at UIC.
The successful candidate will conduct computational research at the intersection of AI/deep learning, bioinformatics, mathematical modeling, computational topology, scientific machine learning, for systems biology, single-cell genomics and protein design. The candidates will work in a highly interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment, engaging in close collaborations with experimentalists in fields such as developmental, cell, and cancer biology, and protein/drug design.
UIC offers a strong and supportive interdisciplinary research environment by bringing experts in computational biology, bioinformatics, and experimental biology. It is one of the institutes with earliest efforts in bioinformatics with one of the earliest PhD bioinformatics programs in the country in 2003. BCMG is a basic science department in College of Medicine at UIC, where faculty employ cutting-edge molecular and genetics approaches to explore a wide array of fundamental questions, including structural biology, drug development, biotech, signaling, developmental, cell and cancer biology. CBQB is committed to lead major discoveries in disease mechanisms, novel diagnostics and therapeutics, as well as development of devices and algorithms that will improve health, with lasting impact to the society.
Duties and Responsibilities
• Develop and design novel computational and AI methods for single-cell genomics data analysis, protein design, etc.
• Engage in interdisciplinary collaborations for bioinformatics data analysis and contributing to systems biology research.
• Perform other special projects as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications

• PhD degree in computational biology, bioinformatics, mathematics, physics, engineering, computer science, or a related field.
• Computational background in areas such as AI/deep learning, multiscale modeling, optimization, topological/geometric data analysis, among others.
• Strong programming skills and experience (e.g., Python, R).

Preferred Qualifications

• Interdisciplinary research experience with experimentalists.

Applicants should upload a 1) cover letter for prior and future research interests;2) Curriculum Vitae; 3) Research Statement; 4) a list of three references withcontact information by 9/5/2026 for fullest consideration.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.