(Senior) Postdoctoral Research Scientist - AI Integrated Digital Twins

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Scientist (SC6) or Senior Postdoctoral Research Scientist (SC5) to join Dr Rahuman Sheriff's AI integrated Digital Twins Group in the Research Faculty of the Earlham Institute, based in Norwich, UK.

Background

The group develops predictive models and biological Digital Twins that combine mechanistic understanding, AI/ML and high-dimensional biological data. The programme aims to move beyond association-based prediction towards models that can represent biological processes, simulate perturbations and generate testable, interpretable predictions across living systems.

The role is core funded and will interact broadly with EI's research programmes and technology platforms, providing opportunities to work with genomics, single-cell and spatial data, engineering biology and advanced research computing.

The role

We are seeking an ambitious computational scientist to develop new methods for predictive systems biology and biological Digital Twins. You will combine mechanistic models, AI/ML and multimodal biological datasets to build and test predictive models of cells, tissues, microbial communities and other biological systems.

The role has substantial freedom for methodological development, including hybrid mechanistic-AI modelling, model personalisation, uncertainty-aware prediction, perturbation and counterfactual simulation, and reusable open modelling workflows.

The ideal candidate

You will have a PhD in a relevant quantitative discipline and strong expertise in at least one of mechanistic modelling, AI/ML or computational biology, together with the ability to work across disciplinary boundaries. Strong programming and a record of high-quality computational research are essential. Experience with hybrid modelling, Digital Twins, omics/single-cell data or scientific machine learning would be advantageous.

Appointment will be made at SC6 or SC5 according to experience and evidence against the published criteria. For appointment at SC5, candidates will additionally be expected to demonstrate substantial postdoctoral or equivalent research experience demonstrating scientific independence and track record of publications and evidence of intellectual leadership of research workstreams, mentoring and contribution to grant development or major collaborative outputs. 

Additional information

• This is a full-time post for a contract of 2 years, with potential for extension depending on funding.
• Salary on appointment will be within the range £39,000 to £46,500 per annum depending on qualifications and experience for the SC6 level post, and £47,450 to £52,560 per annum for candidates who meet the SC5 level criteria. 
• A starting salary of £40,100 is guaranteed for candidates who can evidence their PhD certificate at appointment; those awaiting confirmation of their PhD award will be appointed at £39,000 until evidence is provided.
• This role meets the criteria for a visa application, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply.  Please contact the Human Resources Team if you have any questions regarding your application or visa options.
• As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy.
• The closing date for applications will be 2 December 2026.