Hosting Offer at Sabanci University on AI for Biology - MSCA-PF 2026

Description

Dr. Öznur Taştan at Sabancı University is looking for outstanding postdoctoral researchers interested in applying for the Marie Skłodowska–Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships (PF) 2026. Researchers who meet the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship eligibility and mobility requirements are welcome to apply.

HOST INSTITUTION

On a national level, Sabancı University (SU) has been one of the most successful universities in Türkiye in terms of the number of EU Framework Programme-funded projects per faculty member. The Sabancı University Research and Technology Transfer Office (SUATT) is well structured to manage more than 260 active projects simultaneously, with approximately 57% of the total project budget originating from European Union funding.

Research at SU is highly interdisciplinary, providing an excellent environment for collaborative research and innovation.

DESCRIPTION & REQUIREMENTS

Research in the Taştan Lab focuses on developing machine learning and deep learning methods for biological and biomedical discovery. We combine advances in artificial intelligence with challenging problems in computational biology, bioinformatics, and precision medicine, with an emphasis on building robust, interpretable, and generalizable AI models that accelerate biological discovery and improve healthcare.

We welcome candidates interested in research at the intersection of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and biology. Research topics may include, but are not limited to:

• Machine learning for protein and peptide biology

• AI for drug discovery and precision medicine

• Multi-omics data integration

• Generative AI for biology

• Representation learning, transfer learning, few-shot learning, and graph neural networks

Applicants should hold a Ph.D. (or close to completion) in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Electrical Engineering, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, or a closely related discipline. A strong background in one or more of the following areas is expected:

• Machine learning and deep learning

• Foundation models and representation learning

• Bioinformatics or computational biology

• Statistical learning and data science

• Large-scale biological data analysis

• Generative AI and probabilistic modeling

• Python and modern machine learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch)

Researchers of any nationality who hold a doctoral degree and satisfy the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship eligibility and mobility rules are encouraged to apply. Please check the official eligibility criteria on the MSCA website.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit an Expression of Interest by email to Öznur Taştan at otastan@sabanciuniv.edu with the subject:

Expression of Interest for the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 – Dr. Taştan – Candidate Name

The Expression of Interest should include:

1. Curriculum Vitae

2. Sample publication(s)

3. A brief outline of the proposed research topic (1–2 pages)

4. Motivation letter

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to work closely with Dr. Taştan in preparing a competitive MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship proposal.

Hosting Offers

• Proposal writing and full proposal review support by the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences Project Office

• Administrative and project management support during project implementation

• Access to computational resources, software, and research infrastructure

• Full access to university facilities, including the Information Center, Sports Center, and relevant research centers

• On-campus office space and housing opportunities (subject to availability)

• Support for scientific networking, dissemination, communication, and career development activities