POSTDOC POSITIONS 

My lab at the University of Maryland, College Park and Baltimore, is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to develop statistical physics and thermodynamics aware AI models for RNA biology and therapeutics. You will join my collaborative team across the Institute for Health Computing, the Institute for Physical Science and Technology, and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

The work will focus on physics-informed AI models that work in low-data regimes and extrapolate across RNA sequences, chemical modifications, and biological environments. Topics include predicting RNA structural ensembles and binding interactions, and understanding efficacy and off-target effects of antisense oligonucleotides, siRNA, or CRISPR guide RNAs. The precise direction will reflect the candidate’s expertise, with experimental (academic and industrial) collaborators helping validate and refine the models.

Candidates should have a PhD (or be close to finishing), strong algorithmic ability, and ideally substantial experience in both AI/machine learning and RNA biophysics, chemistry, or biology. We also welcome applicants stronger in one area who are interested in developing the other, but some experience in both AI and RNA is mandatory. We value understanding how machine learning methods work beyond simply applying them, and experience with RNA simulations, thermodynamics, therapeutics, or integrating experimental measurements into models.

This position is particularly suitable for researchers interested in industry careers, especially startups at the intersection of AI and biology. Candidates interested in academic careers are also welcome. Our group has a decent track record in both, and mentorship will be tailored to your career ambitions.

The initial appointment is for one year, renewable for a second year. Please email ptiwary@umd.edu your CV, including peer-reviewed publications and links to code repositories. Applications are encouraged as soon as possible, with a flexible start date. Please share with anyone who may be interested.