Postdoctoral Research Scholar – Lin Research Group, North Carolina State University, USA

Summary

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at North Carolina State University (NC State) is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Scholar to join the Lin Research Group. This position focuses on advancing computational studies of biomolecular structure, dynamics, interactions, and functions. Depending on the scholar’s background, the research may emphasize physics-based biomolecular simulation, AI-enabled modeling (AI4Science), or an integrated combination of both.

Postdoctoral Research Scholar – Lin Research Group, North Carolina State University, USA

Designation

• Position Title: Postdoctoral Research Scholar
• Position Type: Post Doc (FLSA Exempt)
• Department: Department of Physics and Astronomy

Key Job Details

Research Area

• Biomolecular Simulation & AI4Science: Predictive modeling and design of protein–nucleic acid interactions, including protein–DNA recognition, protein–RNA interactions, and aptamer binding.
• Structural & Dynamic Modeling: Physics-based and AI-enabled modeling of chromatin organization, RNA conformational dynamics, and RNA–protein phase separation.
• Method & Software Development: Construction of atomistic/coarse-grained models, deep-learning predictions, enhanced-sampling methods, and reproducible HPC/GPU workflows.

Location

• City & State: Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
• Institution: North Carolina State University (Department of Physics and Astronomy)

Eligibility & Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in Physics, Chemistry, Biophysics, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or a closely related field (conferred before employment start date and within 5 years of the start date).
• Research Expertise (At least one track):
  1. Biomolecular Simulation Track: Advanced modeling/analysis, force-field or coarse-grained model development, and/or enhanced-sampling methods.
  2. AI4Science Track: Development or rigorous adaptation of deep-learning methods for biomolecular prediction or design (with a strong quantitative/algorithmic foundation).
• Skills: Strong scientific programming (Python, C/C++), statistical mechanics or data-driven modeling, high-performance computing (HPC/GPU), reproducible research practices, and effective communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Research integrating AI with physics, chemistry, or biology.
• Experience with molecular dynamics simulation software (OpenMM, GROMACS, NAMD, LAMMPS) and deep-learning frameworks (PyTorch).
• Demonstrated experience with proteins, nucleic acids, aptamers, biomolecular phase separation, chromatin, or epigenetics.
• A strong record of peer-reviewed publications and open-source software/algorithm development.

Job Description & Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and collaborative computational research on biomolecular structure, dynamics, and interactions in close collaboration with experimental partners.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate molecular simulation and/or deep-learning methods and workflows.
• Construct and analyze atomistic or coarse-grained models; integrate structural, sequence, thermodynamic, and experimental data.
• Maintain reproducible, well-documented software and repositories.
• Prepare scientific manuscripts, present research at conferences, and assist in drafting grant proposals.
• Participate in group meetings, cross-laboratory collaborations, and mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit their application materials online via the official NC State University Portal.

Required Application Materials:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV): Complete list of peer-reviewed publications and links to code repositories/research software.
2. Cover Letter: Summarizing research accomplishments, fit with the computational research directions of the position, preferred start date, and future research interests. In particular, describe the project that best demonstrates your relevant expertise and independent contributions.
3. Reference Contact Details: Contact information for at least three professional references.

Last Date to Apply

• Application Deadline: Open Until Filled (Review of applications begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled).

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