Flatiron Research Fellow, Structural & Molecular Biophysics and Biomolecula

Job Title: Flatiron Research Fellow, Structural & Molecular Biophysics and Biomolecular Design, Center for Computational Biology

Job Number: 108234

Location: New York, US

Job Description

The Center for Computational Biology (CCB) at the Flatiron Institute is actively seeking enthusiastic, full‑time post‑doctoral Flatiron Research Fellows to join its Structural & Molecular Biophysics and Biomolecular Design groups for a joint appointment in 2026, as part of the Molecular Ensemble Sampling and Simulation (MESS) collaboration.

The goal at CCB is to advance the understanding of fundamental biological processes by developing theory, innovative modeling tools for large‑scale biophysical simulations, and computational frameworks for analyzing increasingly large experimental datasets. Living systems are built hierarchically; CCB’s research activities span several scales of biological organization, bridging microscopic detail and large‑scale behaviors, and providing continuity across its groups’ efforts. CCB currently comprises more than 45 research and data scientists at career stages from recent Ph.D. graduates through senior scientists, as well as visiting scientists, graduate students, interns, and support staff.

The Structural & Molecular Biophysics group uses long‑timescale molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, integrated with experimental observables (especially cryo‑EM data), and machine learning tools to better capture the dynamics of biological macromolecules and to understand their function. The Biomolecular Design group applies the theory of protein folding and function to design new, synthetic heteropolymers built from exotic chemical building blocks that fold into novel structures and perform new functions.

Together, through MESS, the groups are advancing computational methods for the design and understanding of molecular motion, addressing obstacles to accuracy and tractability.

Successful candidates will carry out a research project advancing these goals. Particular foci include: engineering open‑source software infrastructure for analyzing macromolecular motion; integrating physics‑based simulation and machine learning methods; developing enhanced approximation methods (implicit solvation, coarse‑graining, etc.); incorporating molecular design tools to interpret cryo‑EM data; and designing molecules with potential medical interest. Strong applicants with backgrounds in computational biology/biochemistry/biophysics, applied and computational mathematics, computer science/engineering, machine learning, and related fields are particularly encouraged to apply.

Flatiron Research Fellows in CCB are individuals at the postdoctoral level with backgrounds in applied mathematics, statistics, computational biology, biophysics, computer science, engineering, mathematical physics, or related disciplines.

Fellows are expected to carry out an active research program that can be independently directed and/or involve substantial collaboration within CCB or the Flatiron Institute. In addition to research, Fellows help build the scientific community at CCB and the Flatiron Institute by participating in seminars, colloquia, and group meetings; developing their software, mathematical, and computational expertise through internal education opportunities; and sharing their knowledge through scientific publications, presentations, and/or software releases, with financial support from the Institute.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Performing theoretical and computational research
• Developing, implementing, and maintaining scientific software
• Participating in the organization of CCB and Flatiron‑wide collaborative activities, including seminars, workshops, and meetings
• Preparing manuscripts for publication and presenting at scientific conferences
• Assisting in student mentorship
• Sharing expertise and providing training and guidance to CCB staff and visitors as needed

FRF positions are generally two‑year appointments that can be renewed for a third year, contingent on performance. Fellows will be based at the Simons Foundation’s offices in New York City and may also be eligible for…