Pratyush Tiwary

Pratyush Tiwary, Professor at the University of Maryland (College Park, United States), is recruiting a postdoc to join the group for research on machine learned force fields and foundation models . The project focuses on understanding how emergent failure modes in long-running, diverse systems or modalities can be predicted during training itself. This is a research opportunity at the intersection of physics , chemistry , and AI , with a strong emphasis on algorithmic thinking , papers, and code. The appointment is for 1 year , with the possibility of renewal for a second year, and the position offers a competitive salary . Eligibility highlights: applicants should already hold a PhD and be able to demonstrate strong research and coding ability. The post is especially relevant for candidates interested in computational science, molecular modeling, and AI-driven scientific discovery. How to apply: use the linked application page and apply ASAP . The post does not list a formal deadline, so early application is advisable.

Volunteer teaching opportunity: The University of Maryland is organizing a summer 2026 virtual bootcamp on intro to programming, scientific computing, Python, and machine learning for beginners with zero coding experience. Organizer: Professor Pratyush Tiwary (University of Maryland) is leading the sixth year of this multi-week evening workshop, which has already helped more than 600 students take their first steps into programming. The program is aimed at students from the DMV area, including University of Maryland, Prince George’s Community College, Bowie State University, and other nearby community colleges. Format: Fully virtual via Zoom, 9 lectures total, 2 hours each, held Mondays and Tuesdays from 4–6 PM Eastern. The workshop is capped at 250 students and is completely free for participants. Topics: Python basics, Python not-so-basics, AI/PyTorch basics, AI/PyTorch not-so-basics, and vibe coding/Codex. The broader course materials from previous years also include numpy, matplotlib, pandas, sklearn, graph neural networks, and language model pre-training. Who should apply to teach: People who can teach one or more of the listed sessions and are comfortable sharing their background, GitHub/code repo, and teaching experience. Teachers may also serve as teaching assistants in other classes. This is a community effort and the organizer notes that teachers will not be paid. How to apply: Use the Google Form linked in the post to indicate which classes you can teach and explain your qualifications. The form asks for your name, professional affiliation, email, GitHub/code repo, and a short rationale for why you are a good fit. Application window: The form lists session dates in summer 2026, including Python basics on June 22–23, Python not-so-basics on June 29–30, AI/PyTorch basics on July 6–7, AI/PyTorch not-so-basics on July 27–28, and vibe coding/Codex on August 11.

Pratyush Tiwary’s lab at the University of Maryland, College Park and University of Maryland, Baltimore is recruiting three or more postdoctoral researchers to work on statistical physics- and thermodynamics-aware AI for chemistry and biology . The positions are based across the Institute for Health Computing , the Institute for Physical Science and Technology , and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry . Research directions include AI models for molecular systems in low-data regimes, methods that extrapolate beyond training conditions, understanding and correcting failure modes in foundation models and generative AI, and predicting environment-aware structural ensembles for proteins , RNA , and small molecules . The work has direct relevance to drug discovery and may also connect to materials design . Applicants should have a PhD or be close to finishing one, strong algorithmic ability, and AI+X expertise where X is physics , chemistry , or biology . The lab especially values candidates who can go beyond applying existing machine learning methods and who can explain how the methods work. A strong publication record is expected, and applicants should include links to code repositories and peer-reviewed papers in their CV. The appointment is for one year initially, with the possibility of renewal for a second year. Salary is described as competitive with prestigious postdoctoral fellowships . The anticipated start date is July 2026 or later , and applications are encouraged as soon as possible. To apply, email [email protected] with your CV and the requested materials. Early screening interviews are expected within a week of applying for candidates who fit the prerequisites.

Pratyush Tiwary at the University of Maryland is advertising research openings at the interface of Chemistry , Biology , and Artificial Intelligence . The group works on statistical mechanics, information theory, machine learning, molecular dynamics, diffusion models, representation learning, RNA structure prediction, protein conformational prediction, and related problems in complex molecular systems. Open positions: the group states that it is looking for one or more postdocs and is also accepting multiple first-year PhD students for rotation in fall 2026 and 2027, with one new student position available for PhD. The post also points to additional PhD opportunities at other universities, including Case Western Reserve University and the University of Notre Dame, where related PIs are hiring. PhD application route: applicants should apply to one of the relevant University of Maryland graduate programs, including Biophysics, Chemical Physics, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Physics, or Applied Math and Scientific Computing. Admission decisions are made at the program level, and admitted students can then rotate with the group to assess fit. Eligibility highlights: candidates should be well grounded in at least one relevant area such as physical chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, physics, mathematics, or computing, and should be eager to learn across disciplines. For the rotation-based PhD opportunity, the group asks for strong performance in Calc3 (MATH241) and Pchem1 (CHEM481) or equivalent courses, plus programming experience in C, C++, Python, or a similar language. Funding: the post does not specify stipend or tuition details. It is presented as an academic hiring/recruitment announcement rather than a scholarship call. How to apply: apply to the appropriate graduate program at the University of Maryland, then email the professor after receiving an admission offer. For postdoc interest, consult the group page and contact the lab directly. The post also suggests that applicants to external universities should apply to the school/program and mention the PI fit in their statement of purpose. Research areas / keywords: chemistry, biology, AI, machine learning, theoretical chemistry, biophysics, chemical physics, physics, applied mathematics, statistical mechanics, information theory, molecular modeling, RNA, proteins, and representation learning.