Postdoctoral Research Associate

Position Overview

CHARMM is a versatile program for atomic-level simulation of many-particle systems, particularly macromolecules of biological interest.

- M. Karplus

The Department of Biological Sciences at the University of North Texas is seeking to hire a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join Dr. Yanxiao Han’s computational biological laboratory. The Han Lab is conducting interdisciplinary research at the interface of molecular biophysics, hormone signaling, and therapeutic design. The primary focus of the lab is on G protein‑coupled receptors (GPCRs), particularly those involved in cardiovascular and hormone signaling pathways.

Using multiscale simulations—combining molecular dynamics, enhanced sampling, and kinetic modeling—the team investigates how neurotransmitters like nor epinephrine and hormones such as estrogen interact with β‑adrenergic and estrogen‑related GPCRs. These studies aim to uncover the molecular basis of GPCR cross‑talk and its impact on sex‑specific cardiovascular function and disease. The lab is also interested in AI‑driven design of peptides and proteins for therapeutic applications, including novel peptide drugs inspired by natural toxins to selectively target ion channels and engineering antimicrobial peptides using machine learning and structural modeling approaches.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to work on the mechanistic study of GPCR‑mediated signaling, the rational design of next‑generation biologics for precision medicine, and beyond.

• Ph.D. in biophysics, computational biology, chemistry, pharmacology, or a related field
• Strong background in molecular dynamics simulations and/or protein modeling
• Experience with enhanced sampling methods, multiscale modeling, and/or kinetic modeling is highly desirable
• Interest in translational applications, including peptide/protein therapeutics or cardiovascular drug development
• Experience mentoring students in a collaborative research environment

• Development and application of AI‑driven methods in computational biomedical/biological related research
• Experience collaborating with experimental (wet‑lab) researchers
• Strong communication skills

• Conduct funded research or self‑driven related research
• Write manuscripts and abstracts for conferences and attend scientific meetings
• Write proposals for research projects
• Provide informal mentoring to undergraduates and graduates associated with the lab

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Career Application