About this position
Postdoctoral Fellow: Computational Protein Design and Machine Learning
- The Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at the
- University of Maryland, Baltimore, School of Medicine is seeking a
- postdoctoral fellow with expertise in computational protein design,
- structural bioinformatics, or machine learning for molecular
- engineering. The fellow will work closely with experimental
- researchers to design and optimize therapeutic proteins, nanobodies,
- receptor-binding molecules, and imaging agents.
Key Responsibilities
- Apply protein structure prediction and computational design methods to generate and prioritize candidate molecules.
- Analyze protein–protein interactions and sequence–structure–function relationships.
- Integrate relevant biological datasets to inform target selection and molecular design requirements.
- Collaborate closely with experimental team members so that computational predictions are tested and experimental data feed directly back into design.
- Contribute computational and analytical support across the lab’s broader research program as needed.
- Present findings at internal meetings and scientific conferences and prepare manuscripts for highimpact journals.
- Mentor junior researchers and contribute to a collaborative lab environment.
Qualifications
- PhD in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Biophysics, Chemistry, Computer Science, or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience with modern protein structure prediction and design tools, including AlphaFold2/AlphaFold3, Boltz, or Chai-1 for structure and complex prediction; RFdiffusion, ProteinMPNN, or Rosetta for design and inverse folding; and ESM-family or other protein language models.
- Proficiency in Python and scientific computing is expected.
- Experience with molecular dynamics simulation (GROMACS, OpenMM, or AMBER) and structural analysis of protein-ligand interactions.
- Experience analyzing deep mutational scanning, directed evolution, or other high-throughput sequencing datasets is desirable.
- A track record of computational designs that were experimentally validated, or prior experience working alongside a wet lab, is a strong plus.
- Ability to work independently and within a collaborative team; strong communication and writing skills.
- Application: Interested candidates should send their CV, a cover
- letter outlining their research experience, interest in this position
- and contact information for three references to Dr. Nalinikanth
- Kotagiri at NKotagiri@som.umaryland.edu
Desired start date: Immediately
How to apply
- Read the full advert on the source site — it carries the authoritative terms.
- Email the contact below with your CV and a short, specific message. See Emailing Professors.
- Prepare your SOP, CV, transcripts and referees before the deadline.
- Apply through the university's own portal. Never pay a fee to a third party.