Postdoctoral Research Asspociate - Dr. Yanxiao Han's Computational Biological Laboratory

Job Description

Job Description

Title: Postdoctoral Research Asspociate - Dr. Yanxiao Han's Computational Biological Laboratory

Employee Classification: Postdoctoral Research Assoc

Campus: University of North Texas

Division: UNT-Provost

SubDivision-Department: UNT-College of Science

Department: UNT-Biological Sciences-121100

Job Location: Denton

Salary: Compensation is competitive and commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and discipline, in accordance with university guidelines and available funding.

FTE: 1.00

Retirement Eligibility: ORP Eligible

About Us - Values Overview

Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and University of North Texas Health Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas-Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year.

We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people-first values-based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities. We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team.

Learn more about the UNT System and how we live our values at

Department Summary

The Department of Biological Sciences, one of four departments in the College of Science, has over 45 faculty, 160 graduate and 2,800 undergraduate students. We offer courses at the Denton and Frisco campuses. Our faculty is a community of scholars dedicated to research and teaching in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Physiology, Neuroscience, Ecology, Environmental Science, Plant Biology, and Organismal-environment interactions. We offer bachelor’s degrees in biology, Biochemistry, Ecology, Medical Laboratory Science, and Forensic Science, and Masters and PhDs in Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Environmental Science. We measure our success by the success of our students and the quality of our intellectual contributions to society.

For additional information, see

UNT has a highly diverse campus with a wide range of languages spoken in addition to English. We welcome candidates who have experience with HSI/MSIs and/or who speak Spanish, Vietnamese, American Sign Language, Chinese (Cantonese, Mandarin and other variations), Arabic, Tagalog, Farsi, French, or/and Yoruba.

Position Overview

The Postdoctoral Researcher will support computational biology research focused on molecular biophysics, hormone signaling, and therapeutic design. The position will primarily investigate G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) involved in cardiovascular and hormone signaling pathways using computational approaches such as molecular dynamics simulations, enhanced sampling, and kinetic modeling.

Research activities will examine molecular interactions involving neurotransmitters and hormones, including norepinephrine and estrogen, and their effects on GPCR signaling and cardiovascular function. The position may also contribute to computational and AI-driven design of peptides and proteins for therapeutic applications, including targeted peptide therapeutics and antimicrobial peptides.

The Postdoctoral Researcher will apply computational modeling, structural analysis, and machine learning approaches to support mechanistic studies of cellular signaling and the development of potential therapeutic strategies.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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

Preferred Qualifications

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

Required License/Registration/Certifications

 

Job Duties

• Conduct funded research or related research. 
• Maintain lab workstations and servers. 
• Write manuscripts for publications, abstracts for conferences and attend scientific meetings. 
• Write proposals for research projects. 
• Provide mentoring to undergraduates and graduates associated with the lab. 

Physical Requirements

Communicating with others to exchange information.

Environmental Hazards

No adverse environmental conditions expected.

Work Schedule

Varies based upon assignment

Driving University Vehicle

No

Security Sensitive

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions

Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted. Your research statement should include future (or planned research projects) and past research.

This position supports research activities within Dr. Yanxiao Han’s Computational Biology Laboratory and reports to Dr. Han. The position works within established research objectives while independently conducting assigned research activities and contributing to collaborative research projects.

Benefits

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit –and takes actions to prevent – discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.