Postdoctoral Research Scholar

The Physics Department provides: (1) High quality Physics instruction to the University community through courses in introductory physics; (2) educational opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students in physics through high quality curricula, faculty, and research facilities; (3) outreach programs that advance scientific knowledge. Our research programs cover a diverse spectrum including astrophysics, general relativity, condensed matter theory and experiment, computational physics, biophysics, nanoscale science, physics education, experimental nuclear physics, particle and nuclear theory, experimental optics, and experimental atomic and molecular physics. The department enrolls approximately 120 graduate students and 140 undergrad physics majors. The department size is approximately 56 faculty members. While working in this department, you will be expected to foster a supportive and welcoming environment.

NC State promotes an integrated approach to problem solving that transforms lives and provides leadership for social, economic, and technological development across North Carolina and around the world. NC State's land grant mission of teaching, research and service is dedicated to the service of North Carolina and its people. Applicants are encouraged to review the institution's mission, vision and strategic plan, and consider how their background, interest and experience would enable them to support the university.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at NC State University seeks to fill the position for a Postdoctoral Research Scholar in the Lin Research Group. The scholar will advance computational studies of bimolecular structure, dynamics, interactions, and functions.

The initial appointment is for one year, with possible renewal for a second year contingent upon satisfactory performance. In the cover letter, candidates should briefly describe the project that best demonstrates their relevant expertise, their independent contributions to method, algorithm, or software development, and the connection of this work to one or more of the position's research directions.

Participate in group meetings and cross-laboratory collaborations; mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers; contribute to manuscripts, conference presentations, grant proposals, outreach activities, and research software and documentation; and help develop new research directions.

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Propositionand learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

What we offer:

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in physics, chemistry, biophysics, computational biology, bioinformatics, computer science, applied mathematics, or a closely related field, conferred before the employment start date. Demonstrated research expertise in at least one of two tracks: (1) biomolecular simulation, including advanced modeling and analysis, force-field or coarse-grained model development, and/or enhanced-sampling methods; or (2) AI4Science, particularly the development or rigorous adaptation of deep-learning methods for biomolecular prediction or design. Applicants in the AI track should have a strong foundation in algorithms and quantitative methods and be able to analyze, adapt, and evaluate machine-learning approaches rather than use them solely as black-box tools. Strong scientific programming, communication, and collaborative skills are required.

Knowledge of molecular simulation and/or machine learning; biomolecular structure and dynamics; statistical mechanics or data-driven modeling; scientific programming; HPC/ GPU workflows; data analysis and visualization; reproducible research; and scientific communication. Ability to formulate research questions, develop and benchmark methods, diagnose model or simulation failures, interpret results mechanistically, manage projects independently, and collaborate across disciplines. Ability to write papers and mentor students. Grant writing experience is a plus.

Candidates whose research integrates AI with physics, chemistry, or biology are particularly encouraged to apply. Preferred qualifications include experience with proteins, nucleic acids, protein- DNA or protein- RNA interactions, aptamers, RNA structure and dynamics, biomolecular phase separation, chromatin, or epigenetics; molecular-dynamics packages such as OpenMM, GROMACS, NAMD, or LAMMPS; Python and/or C/C++; GPU/ HPC computing; and deep-learning frameworks such as PyTorch. A strong record of peer-reviewed publications, evidence of independent method or algorithm development, and well-documented research software are desirable. Particular preference will be given to applicants who have developed deep-learning approaches for DNA/ RNA prediction or design, or advanced simulation methods for complex biomolecular systems

N/A

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.