Research Fellow (Biophysics/Statistical Mechanics) Full-time

Join Our Team at the School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

The School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences (SPMS) at NTU Singapore hosts research and education activities in two divisions: Division of Mathematical Sciences (MAS) and Division of Physics and Applied Physics (PAP). MAS covers diverse topics ranging from pure mathematics to the applications of mathematics in cryptography, computing, business, and finance. PAP covers many areas of fundamental and applied physics, including quantum information, condensed matter physics, biophysics, and photonics. Over the years, SPMS has attracted talented individuals from around the world and Singapore to join as scientific leaders and researchers.

Position Available: Research Fellow

The Yong Research Group at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is seeking an inquisitive Research Fellow (RF) with a strong background in biophysics and statistical mechanics as well as prior experience in numerical simulations (in both MC and MD) to contribute to our project focused on developing topology-enhanced physical models for biopolymer structure and interaction analysis. Understanding the structure-function relationships of biomolecules is an active area of research due to its fundamental importance in biology, physics, and engineering. Our project seeks to answer fundamental questions such as “what is the shape of a biopolymer?”, “why is a biopolymer shaped the way it is?”, “how is structure related to function?”, and provide new perspectives into the geometry and topology of a biopolymer.

Key Responsibilities:

The research fellow will

• Utilize recently developed mathematical tools from algebraic topology, combinatorial topology, computational topology, and differential geometry (e.g., Betti numbers, Hodge-Laplacian, discrete Ricci curvature) to characterize and model biopolymers such as DNA and RNA.
• Develop simplicial models for molecular representation, featurization, and learning, particularly in the context of nucleic acids such as DNA, G-quadruple, to better understand form-function relationship in biology.
• Uses molecular modeling and AI (using e.g., the SMILES protocol) to quickly and accurately assess compounds with Essential Physicochemical Properties for drug design and development.
• Translate research findings into practical applications in pharmacology.
• Perform numerical simulations on deep learning workstations and National Supercomputing Centre (NSCC) Singapore.

Job Requirements:

Our project is looking for a highly motivated and qualified RF with the ambition of producing high quality research that can be published in high impact journals. Specific requirements:

• PhD from a reputable university with knowledge in biophysics and statistical mechanics.
• Good publication track record.
• Expertise in numerical simulations, particularly Monte Carlo simulations and molecular dynamics simulations.
• Ability to code and run simulations on supercomputers.

The College of Science seeks a diverse and inclusive workforce and is committed to equality of opportunity. We welcome applications from all and recruit on the basis of merit, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, marital status and family responsibilities, or disability.

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Hiring Institution: NTU