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Position Summary:
A position for one (1) postdoctoral associate is available in the newly formed laboratory of Prof. Justin Lemkul in the Virginia Tech Department of Biochemistry. The lab uses molecular simulations to study the details of biomolecular conformational ensembles and the atomistic details of disease mechanisms, ultimately utilizing this information for computer-aided drug design. The successful candidate will work on simulation studies of DNA and RNA G-quadruplexes and amyloid peptides using the polarizable Drude oscillator model. Candidates will have the opportunity to develop their own projects as long as they overlap with the expertise and interests of the lab. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
Position Duties and Responsibilities:
The postdoctoral associate will conduct research on the two projects listed, including mentoring/training graduate and undergraduate students. Applicants are expected to work independently, assist in project design and data analysis, author manuscripts for peer review, and present at national/international conferences.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must have completed a recent Ph.D. in biochemistry, biophysics, physical chemistry, computational chemistry, or a closely related field before starting this appointment. Prior expertise in molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and familiarity with high-performance computing are also required. Applicants must demonstrate outstanding communication skills via a strong record of peer-reviewed publications and presentations.

Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in any of the following areas is highly desirable: programming (C/C++, Python, Fortran, etc), enhanced sampling methods, force field development, intrinsically disordered proteins and biomolecular conformational ensembles, and theoretical/quantum chemistry.



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