AI-Based Protein Design and Enzyme Engineering Postdoctoral Associate

AI‑Based Protein Design and Enzyme Engineering Postdoctoral Associate Department: Quantitative Biomedicine Location: Rutgers University‑New Brunswick, Piscataway, NJ Overview The Khare Laboratory at Rutgers University invites applications for a postdoctoral fellow position focused on computational enzyme engineering and AI‑based protein design. The primary project involves engineering DNA polymerases as part of a federally funded, multi‑institutional collaboration. Postdoctoral fellows are encouraged to develop independent research directions aligned with the lab’s scientific program. Responsibilities Design, implement, and apply AI‑based methods merged with molecular modeling for protein design and engineering, including de novo design, sequence re‑design, and functional property optimization (e.g., substrate selectivity, catalytic activity, stability, enzyme complementation, photocontrol). Develop and train machine‑learning models informed by experimental data such as enzyme activity, specificity, stability measurements, and high‑throughput sequencing data from library screening or directed evolution. Collaborate closely with experimentalists on design–build–test–learn cycles, including analysis and design of libraries. Prepare and publish manuscripts; present results at conferences; contribute to grant‑related reporting. Mentor graduate and undergraduate trainees. Qualifications Required PhD (awarded or expected within six months of start date) in computational biology, bioinformatics, biophysics, chemistry, computer science, or a closely related field. Publication record in protein design, protein engineering, computational structural biology, or machine‑learning for biology. Strong programming proficiency in Python and experience with modern deep‑learning frameworks (PyTorch and/or JAX). Submission of a representative code sample or link to a public code repository (e.g., GitHub). Preferred Direct experience with contemporary protein design tools and models (e.g., Rosetta, ProteinMPNN, RFdiffusion, AlphaFold‑family models, ESM‑based or other protein language models). Experience training or fine‑tuning ML models on large experimental datasets. Track record of close collaboration with experimentalists. Benefits and Compensation Salary: Starting at $63,968, commensurate with experience. Compensation will consider qualifications, experience, market benchmarks, internal equity, and available department or grant funds. Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage; paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs; competitive retirement benefits; employee and dependent educational benefits; life insurance; and employee discount programs. Equal Employment Opportunity The institution is an equal access/equal opportunity employer and encourages all qualified applicants to apply. Posting Details Posting Number: 26FA0469 | Open Date: 05/08/2026 | Close Date: 07/31/2026 | Position Status: Full Time | Salary: $63,968 minimum, commensurate with experience. #J-18808-Ljbffr Rutgers University