Job Description

The Center for Computational Biology (CCB), an in-house research center of the Simons Foundation’s Flatiron Institute, is actively seeking enthusiastic, full-time post-doctoral Flatiron Research Fellows to join its Biomolecular Design Group. Applicants with strong backgrounds in computational biology/biochemistry/biophysics, applied and computational mathematics, computer science/engineering, machine learning, and related fields are particularly encouraged to apply.

ABOUT THE CENTER FOR COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY

CCB has a twofold mission: to develop the rigorous modeling tools and theory needed for understanding biological processes, and to create computational frameworks that will facilitate the analysis of the large, complex data sets being generated by quantitative experimental technologies. To accomplish this, CCB brings together experts in various biological domains (including genomics, molecular, cellular, and developmental biology) whose approaches are informed by the modern computational tools of applied mathematics, statistical inference, artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), biophysics, and computer science. The goal: to enable CCB to undertake ambitious, long-term research projects that transcend conventional disciplinary boundaries and that lead to a quantitative and predictive understanding of biological phenomena; and to develop high-quality, well-tested, versatile and extensible software across its research areas.

CCB currently comprises more than 50 scientists at career stages from Ph.Ds through senior scientists, as well as visiting scientists and guest researchers, affiliated graduate students and interns. Together, the CCB scientific staff are pioneering an approach to biology in which theory,computation, and experimentation are integrated, from problem conceptualization onwards. This approach enables CCB to tackle not only recognized, fundamental problems in biology that have so far eluded solution, but also, because of the value placed on curiosity-driven research, to find and develop new areas of biological inquiry.

ABOUT THE BIOMOLECULAR DESIGN GROUP

The Biomolecular Design (BmD) group develops and applies computational tools to design natural polymers and synthetic heteropolymers built from noncanonical chemical building blocks. These molecules—including heterochiral cyclic peptides and peptoid foldamers—can adopt structures inaccessible to natural proteins and perform new functions, with potential applications as therapeutics, nanomaterials, and catalysts. By designing molecules beyond the scope of natural proteins, we both test our understanding of protein folding and function and push the boundaries of computational molecular design.

BmD is also part of the Collaboration on Molecular Physics and Sampling Strategies (COMPASS), which brings together research groups to advance computational methods for understanding molecular motion and designing molecules with specific dynamic properties. Together, we address challenges in the accuracy and computational tractability of molecular modeling.

The successful candidate will pursue a research project that advances these goals. Potential research directions include:

1. Developing open-source software infrastructure to analyze macromolecular motion and design motile macromolecules.
2. Integrating physics-based simulation with machine learning methods.
3. Developing improved approximation methods, including implicit solvation and coarse-graining, to make computationally expensive calculations more tractable.
4. Developing molecular modeling and design methods that use current and next-generation gate-based quantum computers and quantum annealers.
5. Designing molecules with potential medical applications.

Strong applicants with backgrounds in computational biology, biochemistry, biophysics, applied or computational mathematics, computer science or engineering, machine learning, and related fields are particularly encouraged to apply.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Flatiron Research Fellows in CCB are individuals at the postdoctoral level with backgrounds in one or more of the following areas: applied mathematics, statistics, computational biology, biochemistry, biophysics, computer science, engineering, mathematical physics, or related disciplines.

Reporting to the Group Lead, Fellows are expected to carry out an active research program that can be independently directed and/or involve substantial collaboration with other members of CCB or the Flatiron Institute. In addition to their research, Fellows help build the rich scientific community at CCB and the Flatiron Institute by participating in seminars, colloquia, and group meetings; developing their software, mathematical and computational expertise through internal education opportunities; and sharing their knowledge through scientific publications, presentations, and/or software releases, with the financial support of the Institute. Fellows have access to the Flatiron Institute’s powerful scientific computing resources.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Performing theoretical and computational research
• Developing, implementing and maintaining scientific software
• Participating in the organization of CCB and Flatiron-wide collaborative activities including seminars, workshops and meetings
• Participating in the preparation of manuscripts for publication and of presentations at scientific conferences
• Assisting in student mentorship
• Sharing expertise and providing training and guidance to CCB staff and visitors as needed.

Fellows will be based, and have a principal office or workspace, at the Simons Foundation’s offices in New York City. The initial appointments for Flatiron Research Fellows are generally for two years, with the possibility of renewal for a third year, contingent on performance. FRFs may be eligible for subsidized housing within walking distance of CCB.

The anticipated start date is September 2027.

Qualifications

Education

• Ph.D. in a relevant field (applied mathematics, statistics, computational biology, biochemistry, biophysics, computer science, engineering, mathematical physics,, or related disciplines)

Related Skills & Other Requirements

• Demonstrated abilities in mathematical modeling, analysis and/or scientific computation, scientific software and algorithm development, data analysis and inference, and image analysis
• Ability to do original and outstanding research in computational biology, and expertise in computational methods, data analysis, software and algorithm development, modeling machine learning, and scientific simulation
• Ability to work well in an interdisciplinary environment, and to collaborate with experimentalists
• Strong oral and written communication, data documentation, and presentation skills

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The full-time annual compensation for this position is USD $95,000. In addition to competitive salaries, the Simons Foundation provides employees with an outstanding benefits package.

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit the following via the application portal:

1. Cover Letter, which should include a summary of applicants’ most significant contributions in graduate school
2. Curriculum vitae with publications list and, if relevant, links to software
3. Research statement of no more than three (3) pages describing the applicant’s past important results, current and future research interests which may include both scientific topics and algorithm and software development, and potential synergies with activities at CCB
4. Two (2) letters of recommendation

Applications for available positions that begin in September 2027 will generally be reviewed beginning November 2026, and will be considered on a rolling basis until the positions are filled. For full consideration, candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their complete application by November 30, 2026.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• past research accomplishments
• the proposed research program
• the synergy of applicant’s expertise and research proposal topic with existing CCB staff and research programs, and potential to cross boundaries between CCB groups and/or the Flatiron Institute’s other research centers.

Any queries about the application process or about CCB should be directed to ccbjobs@flatironinstitute.org. Queries about CCB may also be directed to scientific staff at CCB.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Application Materials

The Flatiron Institute values authenticity, originality, and transparency throughout the application and hiring process. Applicants are expected to submit application materials that reflect their own original work, experiences, ideas, writing, and scientific or professional judgment. The use of AI-based tools may be appropriate for limited purposes during the hiring process, such as editing, formatting, or code review. However, application materials, including research statements, cover letters, personal statements, and other writing samples, should not be substantially authored or generated by AI systems.

Applicants are encouraged to disclose any significant or material use of AI tools in the preparation of their application materials or throughout the hiring process. The Flatiron Institute does not use AI-based tools to screen applicants.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Our Commitment to Expanding Pathways to Science & Opportunities for All:

Many of the greatest ideas and discoveries come from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds, and experiences. The Simons Foundation is committed to advancing basic science and mathematics to benefit humankind and expand our collective understanding of our world. As part of our mission, we support partners, programs, and initiatives that seek to broaden the scientific community and open pathways to science and mathematics careers.

The Simons Foundation provides equal opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state, and local law