Flatiron Research Fellow – Biomolecular Design, Center for Computational Biology, USA

The Flatiron Institute of the Simons Foundation is inviting applications for a Flatiron Research Fellow (postdoctoral) in the Biomolecular Design Group within the Center for Computational Biology (CCB), New York City. The position focuses on computational approaches for biomolecular design, molecular simulation, machine learning, scientific software, and related areas.

The successful candidate will conduct independent and collaborative research on designing natural polymers and synthetic heteropolymers, including molecules such as heterochiral cyclic peptides and peptoid foldamers. Research may involve molecular modeling, physics-based simulations, AI/ML, coarse-graining, quantum computing, and computational methods for biomedical applications.

The position offers an annual compensation of USD $95,000, access to advanced scientific computing resources, and an initial two-year appointment, with the possibility of renewal for a third year.

Summary Table

Designation

Flatiron Research Fellow – Biomolecular Design (Postdoctoral Fellow)

Research Area

The fellowship covers interdisciplinary research areas including:

• Computational Biology
• Biomolecular Design
• Computational Biochemistry and Biophysics
• Molecular Modeling and Simulation
• Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
• Applied and Computational Mathematics
• Scientific Computing
• Scientific Software and Algorithm Development
• Molecular Dynamics and Macromolecular Motion
• Coarse-Grained and Implicit-Solvation Modeling
• Quantum Computing for Molecular Design
• Computational Drug and Therapeutic Design
• Synthetic and Noncanonical Biomolecules

Location

Flatiron Institute – Simons Foundation
162 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10010, USA

Fellows will be based at the Simons Foundation’s offices in New York City. Eligible Fellows may also have access to subsidized housing within walking distance of the Center for Computational Biology.

Eligibility / Qualification

Applicants should have:

• A Ph.D. in a relevant field, including:
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Statistics
  • Computational Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Biophysics
  • Computer Science
  • Engineering
  • Mathematical Physics
  • or a related discipline
• Demonstrated expertise in mathematical modeling, analysis and/or scientific computation.
• Experience with scientific software and algorithm development.
• Skills in data analysis, inference, and/or image analysis.
• Ability to conduct original and outstanding research in computational biology.
• Experience with computational methods, modeling, machine learning, and scientific simulation.
• Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary research environment.
• Ability to collaborate with experimental researchers.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong documentation and scientific presentation abilities.

Candidates with backgrounds in computational biology, computational biochemistry/biophysics, applied mathematics, computer science/engineering, machine learning, and related fields are particularly encouraged to apply.

Job Description

The selected Fellow will develop an active, independent research program while collaborating with scientists across CCB and the wider Flatiron Institute.

Potential research directions include:

1. Developing open-source software for analyzing macromolecular motion and designing motile macromolecules.
2. Combining physics-based molecular simulations with machine-learning approaches.
3. Developing improved approximation techniques, including implicit solvation and coarse-graining, to reduce the computational cost of molecular simulations.
4. Developing molecular modeling and design approaches using gate-based quantum computers and quantum annealers.
5. Designing molecules with potential medical and therapeutic applications.
6. Developing computational tools for natural polymers and synthetic heteropolymers incorporating noncanonical chemical building blocks.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Conducting theoretical and computational research.
• Developing, implementing, and maintaining scientific software.
• Participating in CCB and Flatiron Institute seminars, workshops, meetings, and collaborative activities.
• Preparing manuscripts for publication.
• Presenting research at scientific conferences.
• Assisting with student mentoring.
• Providing scientific training and guidance to CCB staff and visitors.
• Developing computational, mathematical, and software expertise through internal educational opportunities.

Salary and Benefits

The position offers:

• Annual compensation: USD $95,000
• Competitive employee benefits provided by the Simons Foundation.
• Access to Flatiron Institute scientific computing resources.
• Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Participation in seminars, workshops, and scientific training.
• Potential subsidized housing within walking distance of CCB.
• Initial two-year appointment, with the possibility of renewal for a third year based on performance.

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted through the Interfolio Faculty Search application portal.

Applicants are required to provide:

1. Cover Letter – Including a summary of the applicant’s most significant graduate-school contributions.
2. Curriculum Vitae – Including a publication list and, where applicable, links to software.
3. Research Statement – Maximum 3 pages, describing:
   • Past important research results.
   • Current and future research interests.
   • Scientific, algorithmic, and/or software-development interests.
   • Potential synergies with research activities at CCB.
4. Two Letters of Recommendation.

Apply Now – Interfolio Application Portal

Applications will be reviewed beginning November 2026 and will continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

For application-related questions, applicants can contact ccbjobs@flatironinstitute.org.

Last Date to Apply

Recommended deadline: November 30, 2026

Applications will continue to be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled, so early application is strongly recommended.

Expected Start Date: Flexible, but the Fellow must begin no later than September 2027.

Apply Link

Apply via Interfolio