Research opportunity for computer science student

Undergraduate Research Opportunity: Apply Your CS Skills to the Frontier of Brain Mapping & Spatial Transcriptomics

Are you a Computer Science student looking to stand out in the job market or build a unique research portfolio? Discover how your coding and algorithmic skills can unlock the mysteries of the human brain.

The Marcinkiewcz Laboratory in the Department of Cellular and Systems Pharmacology is seeking a motivated undergraduate student for a Directed Independent Study (DIS) role.

Why Join Us? Diversify Your Skillset
The demand for tech talent in biotech, pharma, and computational biology is exploding. This position is a perfect opportunity to pivot or diversify your software engineering and data science toolkits into the biological sciences. You will gain experience handling complex, high-dimensional datasets that traditional tech tracks rarely expose you to.

What You Will Do:

  • Data Pipeline Development: Process and analyze large-scale, high-dimensional data from cutting-edge spatial transcriptomics experiments.
  • Image Processing & Feature Extraction: Work with complex spatial alignment tools to map genetic expression directly onto brain tissue architecture.
  • Algorithmic Problem Solving: Implement and optimize computational pipelines (e.g., using Python, R, or specialized frameworks).
  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Work side-by-side with neuroscientists to translate biological questions into programmatic solutions.

What We Are Looking For:

  • A solid foundation in programming (Python experience is highly preferred, but a strong background in R is welcome).
  • Comfortable with, or eager to learn, data analysis libraries (e.g., NumPy, Pandas, Scanpy, or Seurat).
  • Basic understanding of statistics, working knowledge of fundamental linear algebra concepts (nth dimensional vector space, Laplace projections, Eigenspace).
  • No prior biology or neuroscience background is required! We will teach you the science—you bring the computational logic.

Position Details:

  • Credits: Available for 3 hours of DIS course credit or as a paid position .
  • Time Commitment: Approximately 10 hours per week.
  • Location: P1-26 JHMHSC, UF Main Campus.

How to Apply:
If you want to apply your computational skills to real-world biological discovery, please send your resume and a brief intro explaining your programming background to Catherine Marcinkiewcz cmarcinkiewcz@cop.ufl.edu with the subject line "CS Spatial Transcriptomics DIS Application."

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