Join Our Team

We are inviting applications for multiple Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) positions and postdoctoral fellow positions in our research group at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Our group develops novel statistical, machine learning, and computational methods to address emerging challenges in cancer research and high-dimensional biomedical data. We are particularly interested in trainees who are excited about developing new quantitative methodology while working closely with cutting-edge biomedical applications.

Research Opportunities

Current methodological and collaborative research areas include:

• 3D spatial transcriptomics and spatial tissue reconstruction
• Cell-cell interaction and cellular communication modeling
• Single-cell and spatial multi-omics integration
• Statistical and AI/machine learning methods for high-dimensional biomedical data
• Cancer genomics and tumor microenvironment research
• Collaborative and translational cancer research

Research projects can be tailored to each trainee’s background, interests, and career goals. Projects may focus primarily on statistical and computational methodology development, collaborative analysis of cutting-edge biomedical datasets, or an integration of both. We particularly welcome candidates interested in developing rigorous quantitative methods motivated by important biological and clinical questions.

Training and Mentorship

Trainees will receive close mentorship in both quantitative methodology development and collaborative biomedical research. Depending on the project, trainees will work closely with Dr. Ziyi Li and multidisciplinary collaborators with expertise in biostatistics, computational biology, cancer genomics, spatial and single-cell technologies, and translational oncology.

Our goal is to help each trainee develop an independent research direction and build a strong research portfolio for their long-term career. Trainees will have opportunities to participate in:

• Statistical and computational method development
• AI and machine learning research
• Open-source software and computational tool development
• Analysis of cutting-edge single-cell, spatial, and multi-omics datasets
• Manuscript development and scientific writing
• Presentations at scientific meetings
• Interdisciplinary collaborations with basic, translational, and clinical investigators
• Development of new research ideas and grant proposals

Who Should Apply

We welcome applicants with backgrounds in biostatistics, statistics, bioinformatics, computational biology, computer science, data science, applied mathematics, or related quantitative disciplines.

Strong programming skills in R and/or Python are highly desirable. Prior experience with single-cell or spatial omics is helpful but not required. More importantly, we are looking for candidates who are motivated to learn, interested in methodological research, and excited about interdisciplinary cancer research.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are encouraged to email Dr. Ziyi Li at zli16@mdanderson.org with:

1. A current CV or résumé;
2. A brief description of your research interests and relevant quantitative, computational, and/or programming experience; and
3. Your short-term and long-term research and career goals.

Please indicate whether you are interested in a Graduate Research Assistant or postdoctoral fellow position in your email.