Job
Postdoctoral Fellow in Structural Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
Organization
National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD and surrounding area
Join a dynamic and interdisciplinary team challenging the one-sequence-one-structure paradigm in protein biology, under the leadership of Dr. Lauren Porter in the Laboratory of Structural Bioinformatics, Division of Intramural Research (DIR) at the National Library of Medicine (NLM).
About the position
The NLM is one of the 27 institutes at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and is the world’s largest biomedical library. NLM performs leading research, development, and training in biomedical informatics and health information technology. The Laboratory of Structural Bioinformatics (https://irp.nih.gov/pi/lauren-porter) belongs to one of its two intramural research branches: the computational biology branch (CBB), which conducts research on transcriptional regulation, chromatin and network biology, structural and functional analysis, sequence statistics, and evolutionary genomics.
This position involves developing computational methods that characterize fold-switching proteins, which remodel their secondary structures and change their functions in response to cellular stimuli (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-60759-5). Depending on the candidate’s background and interests, several projects are possible. Specific projects would involve neural network interpretation of AlphaFold, developing better algorithms to predict multiple protein conformations, and predicting fold-switching proteins from whole genomes.
Position Overview: This is a full-time postdoctoral fellow position. The initial appointment will be for one year, and is renewable on a yearly basis, with extensions up to 5 years total. The NIH offers a competitive salary (based on postdoctoral experience, see stipend tables: https://www.training.nih.gov/stipends/) and comprehensive health insurance. The NIH is dedicated to the continued education and career development of all its research staff. Candidates are subject to a background investigation. Additional information about NIH postdoctoral fellowships: https://www.training.nih.gov/research-training/pd/
Apply for this vacancy
What you'll need to apply
Prospective candidates should include "Postdoctoral Fellow in Structural Bioinformatics and Computational Biology" and their last name in the email subject line. Applicants must submit the following materials to Dr. Lauren Porter at [email protected]:
- Updated CV
- Statement of research interest
- Contact information for 3 references (please include the full name with titles, institute, email address and phone number of each reference).
Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Contact name
Dr. Lauren Porter
Contact email
Qualifications
The applicant should be a creative, motivated individual interested in developing cutting-edge computational methods that lay the foundation of an up-and-coming area of protein research. Applicants who meet the following requirements will be considered for the position:
- Ph.D. in bioinformatics, computational biology, biophysics, computer science, or a closely related field. Applicants close to finishing their PhDs in these areas will also be considered.
- Strong proficiency in python
- LINUX proficiency
- Experience with high performance computing
- In-depth understanding of protein structure and protein biochemistry
- Strong oral and written communication skills
Prior experience in at least one of the following computational areas is required:
- Modeling and prediction of protein structure/function
- Deep learning applied to proteins
- Molecular dynamics simulations
- Computational protein design
Disclaimer/Fine Print
U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply. NIH welcomes foreign nationals with the exception of individuals from this list.
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