Postdoc and PhD students

The Han Lab at the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of North Texas, TX, USA is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to contribute to interdisciplinary research at the interface of molecular biophysics, hormone signaling, and therapeutic design (lab site: ). 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 isalso interested in AI-driven design of peptides and proteins for therapeutic applications.

This includes previously developed novel peptide drugs inspired by natural toxins to selectively target ion channels, as well as engineering antimicrobial peptides using machine learning and structural modeling approaches. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work onthe 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
• · Experience with HPC and workstation maintenance
• · 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 verbal and written skills

• · CV with contact information for three references
• · Research statement including future (or planned research projects) and past research.

• · Please contact Dr. Yanxiao Han by email:
  Yanxiao.
  
  Han

None

• · Conduct funded research or self-proposed related research
• · Write manuscripts, abstracts for conferences and attend scientific meetings
• · Write proposals for research projects
• · HPC and workstation maintenance
• · Provide informal mentoring to undergraduates and graduates associated with the lab

The Han Lab is seeking highly motivated PhD students to contribute to interdisciplinary research at the interface of molecular biophysics, hormone signaling, and therapeutic design (lab site: ).

Spring 2027 applications are now open. The deadline to submit the application is August 1, 2026.

(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..html

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 isalso interested in AI-driven design of peptides and proteins for therapeutic applications.

This includes previously developed novel peptide drugs inspired by natural toxins to selectively target ion channels, as well as engineering antimicrobial peptides using machine learning and structural modeling approaches. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work onthe mechanistic study of GPCR-mediated signaling, the rational design of next-generation biologics for precision medicine, and beyond.

Experience in computational biophysics, computational biology or a related field

• · Experience with molecular dynamics simulations and/or protein modeling
• · with Biology related courses

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

• · CV with contact information for three references

• · Please contact Dr. Yanxiao Han by email:
  Yanxiao.
  
  Han