Postdoctoral Fellow – Fröhlich Lab, The Francis Crick Institute, UK

Summary

The Francis Crick Institute is inviting applications for an ambitious Postdoctoral Fellow to join the Fröhlich Lab. The successful candidate will lead a computational research project developing next-generation deep mechanistic models (DMMs) for biological systems. This role bridges scientific machine learning (SciML), differential equation modeling, and single-cell biology to investigate how individual cells respond to perturbations and signal across scales.

Designation

• Position: Postdoctoral Fellow (Fröhlich Lab)
• Job Requisition ID: R2852
• Reports To: Fabian Fröhlich, Group Leader

Key Information Overview

Research Area

• Scientific Machine Learning (SciML)
• Deep Mechanistic Modeling (DMMs) & Neural ODEs
• Computational & Systems Biology
• Single-Cell Data Analysis & Cellular Signaling
• Mathematical & Biophysical Modeling

Location

• The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, United Kingdom

Eligibility / Qualification

Essential Requirements

• Education: PhD in Mathematics, Physics, Data Science, Engineering, Systems Biology, or a related computational/quantitative field (or currently in the final stages of PhD submission).
• Programming Skills: Strong scientific programming proficiency in Python.
• Domain Knowledge: Solid foundation in mathematical models of biological systems and numerical methods for differential equations.
• Research Track Record: Demonstrated experience developing and pursuing independent research ideas.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal scientific communication skills.
• Open Science & Collaboration: A cross-disciplinary mindset, commitment to reproducible research, and enthusiasm for open-source tool development.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience with machine learning frameworks (e.g., JAX or PyTorch), particularly single-cell methods such as optimal transport or flow matching.
• Fundamental knowledge of cell biology and biochemistry relevant to signaling networks and cell cycle pathways.
• Familiarity with modern software development best practices and high-performance computing (HPC).

Job Description & Responsibilities

The Postdoctoral Fellow will be responsible for:

• Project Leadership: Leading an independent research project in scientific machine learning and mechanistic modeling.
• Model Development: Extending deep mechanistic models from population-level data to single-cell biological datasets.
• Software Tools: Building, optimizing, and maintaining reusable, open-source computational libraries (e.g., petab_sciml).
• Data Integration: Applying novel computational methods to biological datasets generated within the lab and from public repositories, interpreting their biological significance.
• Collaboration: Working closely with experimental and computational researchers across the Crick and international consortia.
• Dissemination: Publishing findings in high-impact scientific journals and presenting work at international conferences.
• Mentorship: Supporting and co-mentoring graduate students and junior lab members.

How to Apply

1. Online Application Portal: Apply directly via the official Francis Crick Institute Workday Portal.
2. Submission Documents: Ensure your CV, cover letter outlining research interests and fit for the role, and contact details of academic referees are submitted through the portal.
3. Accessibility / Application Support: Candidates requiring reasonable adjustments or alternative application formats may contact ruby.oluwafemi@crick.ac.uk.

Last Date for Apply

• Closing Date: September 24, 2026 (23:59 GMT)(Note: Early submission is encouraged as applications may be reviewed on a rolling basis).

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