Post-Doctoral Fellow in Interpretable DNA/RNA Ensemble Quantification National Institute of Standards and Technology in United States

George Washington University and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) are seeking a Post-Doctoral Fellow for interpretable DNA/RNA ensemble quantification in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

This research opportunity sits at the intersection of physics, chemistry, biology, computer science, and mathematics. The project focuses on DNA and RNA as dynamic molecular systems rather than static sequences, with an emphasis on molecular dynamics, statistical physics, unsupervised learning, and scalable clustering methods. The successful candidate will develop hierarchical, interpretable representations of nucleic acid ensembles, design secondary-structure-based distance metrics, and connect large-scale simulations to experimental observables.

Responsibilities include extending DNA/RNA ensemble representations, implementing optimized metrics based on base-pair reorganization, building model-selection tools for large MD datasets, and developing reproducible research software in Python (with Julia as a plus). The role also involves collaboration with experimental and device-focused teams to bridge theory and measurement.

Eligibility highlights: a Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Biophysics, Computational Biology, or Computer Science is required. Experience with oxDNA/oxRNA or similar coarse-grained frameworks is preferred, along with strong analytical skills in clustering, free-energy landscapes, and kinetic pathways.

Funding details are not specified in the post. The post does not list a deadline, so applicants should apply as soon as possible through the provided link.