Postdoctoral Associate

About the Role

The Laboratory for Mathematical, Computational, and Statistical Modeling develops and applies mathematical, statistical, and computational methods to address interdisciplinary research questions. The Post-Doctoral Associate will support current and future laboratory projects, including collaborations within The Hormel Institute and with external partners. Research will include biomedical applications and other applied problems aligned with the laboratory’s research priorities.

Working with the faculty mentor, the Post-Doctoral Associate will:

• Develop mathematical and statistical models, machine learning methods, and artificial intelligence workflows.
• Conduct data analyses.
• Communicate findings through scientific publications and presentations.

The position will also contribute to funding proposals, student mentoring, and the Institute’s bioinformatics team. The successful candidate will be expected to advance projects independently, demonstrate professionalism and research integrity, and contribute new research ideas aligned with the mission and vision of the Institute and laboratory.

Key Responsibilities

• Research and Method Development — 40%
• Develop, apply, and evaluate mathematical and statistical models, numerical methods, machine learning approaches, and artificial intelligence workflows for laboratory and collaborative projects.
• Analyze and interpret data, assess model performance, and document methods and results to support reproducibility.
• Advance assigned projects independently while coordinating research priorities with the faculty mentor and collaborators.
• Propose new research directions aligned with laboratory priorities and the Institute’s mission and vision.
• Scientific Publications and Funding Applications — 35%
• Prepare and revise scientific manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals.
• Contribute to internal and external grant proposals, including research plans, preliminary analyses, and supporting materials.
• Identify and pursue eligible fellowship opportunities in consultation with the faculty mentor.
• Seek travel awards and other funding opportunities to support participation in conferences and scientific events.
• Research Collaboration and Bioinformatics Support — 10%
• Collaborate with researchers within The Hormel Institute and at external institutions.
• Contribute mathematical, statistical, and computational expertise to collaborative research projects.
• Support the Institute’s bioinformatics team through project-specific analyses, methodological input, and interpretation of results.
• Participate in project meetings and communicate progress, findings, and methodological limitations.
• Student Mentoring and Research Training — 10%
• Mentor or assist in mentoring students involved in laboratory and collaborative projects.
• Guide students in research methods, data interpretation, scientific communication, and responsible research practices.
• Support students’ preparation of research presentations and other scholarly outputs.
• Scientific Participation and Professional Development — 5%
• Participate in internal and external conferences, seminars, and workshops relevant to the position.
• Present research findings and engage in scientific discussions with colleagues and collaborators.
• Pursue training that supports research responsibilities and professional growth.

Work Location

This position is designated as Flexible Work Profile One, Office/Lab-Based. It is expected to work primarily on-site in the office/lab, with only occasional and inconsistent working remotely. Your office will be located at The Hormel Institute in Austin, Minnesota.

Qualifications

• Ability to advance projects independently.
• Demonstrated professionalism and research integrity.
• Ability to contribute new research ideas aligned with the mission and vision of the Institute and laboratory.