Post Doctoral Research Associate in Machine Learning for Medicine (Fixed term)

A position exists for a Post Doctoral Research Associate in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics to work on the development of novel machine learning methods with applications in medicine, pharmacology and healthcare. The research will be conducted in the van der Schaar lab under the supervision of Professor Mihaela van der Schaar.

As a Research Associate, you will formulate novel research questions in interpretable machine learning, developing state-of-the-art methodologies, algorithms and rigorous evaluation protocols for dynamical system modelling. Responsibilities include designing, implementing and benchmarking models in Python, maintaining reproducible workflows, and driving projects from hypothesis to open-source code, pre-prints and submissions to leading venues such as NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR and top journals. Close collaboration with clinical partners, active participation in weekly group meetings, and supervision of PhD and MSc students are integral to the role. You will present your findings at major international conferences and enjoy the freedom to explore novel applications, shaping the lab's future research directions.

The successful candidate will hold or be close to completing a PhD in Computer Science, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, or a related discipline. They should demonstrate strong programming skills in Python and modern machine learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow), as well as a commitment to reproducible research. Experience with healthcare datasets and problems is highly desirable. In addition, they should have a proven track record in developing interpretable machine learning models, time-series forecasting techniques or methods for modelling dynamical systems.

Limit of tenure: 2 years, starting on the 23 February 2026. 

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click 'Apply' above.

Please indicate the contact details of two academic/professional referees on the online application form and upload a full curriculum vitae and a description of your recent research (not to exceed three pages). Please ensure that at least one of your referees is contactable at any time during the selection process and is made aware that they will be contacted by the Mathematics HR Office Administrator to request that they upload a reference for you to our Web Recruitment System; and please encourage them to do so promptly.

Informal inquiries can be made by contacting Professor Mihaela van der Schaar at mv472@cam.ac.uk.

For queries relating to the application process, please email LE46041@maths.cam.ac.uk. 

Interviews will be held in the week commencing 20 October 2025.

Please quote reference LE46041 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. We particularly welcome applications from women and /or candidates from a BAME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our Department.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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