Assistant Professor in Computational Structural Biology

Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Tuition benefits

Retirement planning

Research support

Job summary

Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in computational structural biology. The successful candidate will conduct large-scale molecular dynamics simulations and AI-integrated multiscale modeling of biomolecular systems.

The department seeks a scholar who can mentor trainees, teach biochemistry and biophysics at graduate and medical school levels, and help secure external funding while advancing translational collaborations.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in a quantitative field with a distinguished record in structural biology.
• Experience with large-scale multi-omics data integration and leadership in emerging fields such as single-cell biology or spatial transcriptomics.
• Experience in technology transfer, IP management, startups, or partnerships with biotech/pharma industries.
• Demonstrated collaborative academic leadership.
• Ability to work with diverse faculty, staff, and students with integrity and civility.

Responsibilities

• Lead large-scale MD simulations and AI-enabled multiscale modeling of complex biosystems.
• Mentor trainees and teach biochemistry/biophysics to graduate and medical students.
• Contribute to departmental service, grant competitiveness, and external collaborations.

Skills

Molecular simulations

AI-enabled modeling

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Mentoring and teaching

Communication

Education

Ph.D./M.D.-Ph.D. in quantitative biomedicine or related field

Job description

The Department of Cellular, Genetic, and Molecular Medicine (CMGM) is seeking candidates for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor in computational structural biology. The ideal candidate will conduct research using molecular simulations to investigate biomolecular systems, leveraging advanced computational approaches.

Unit: School of Medicine

Department: Cellular and Genetic Medicine

Department Summary: The Department of Cellular, Molecular and Genetic Medicine (CMGM) in the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine (VCU SOM) is dedicated to unraveling the fundamental biology that supports health and drives disease. Our faculty, trainees and students tackle some of the most pressing challenges in biomedical science, from the molecular and genetic roots of disease to the complexities of whole-body physiology.

Our foundational studies are driving the frontiers of scientific discovery, pushing the boundaries of what we understand about biology, disease and the human body. From our labs in downtown Richmond to research collaborations around the world, our work is generating new knowledge, influencing the direction of biological science and redefining what is possible in biomedical research.

We are proud to be a community of passionate educators and mentors, deeply committed to empowering the next generation of scientists and leaders. With alumni enjoying successful careers across a broad spectrum of industries, our rigorous training programs offer students a transformative education that drives innovation today and creates lasting impact for tomorrow.

Duties & Responsibilities

Research

This position focuses on large-scale molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and AI-integrated multiscale modeling of complex biosystems including membrane protein-lipid interactions, and protein-protein interactions. The successful candidate will also contribute to efforts that bridge molecular, cellular, and systems-level modeling, with growing relevance to emerging paradigms such as whole-cell modeling and networked biological systems. We seek to enhance the department's research portfolio and competitiveness in securing new external grants. Therefore, the candidates' research programs will complement existing departmental and interdepartmental strengths.

Mentoring and teaching

The candidate will act as a mentor to trainees, offering experience to support teaching biochemistry and biophysics courses at both graduate and medical school levels. Furthermore, guidance from new faculty members is anticipated to assist trainees in obtaining prestigious fellowships and developing successful careers. Overall, these initiatives will bolster the department's reputation as a top academic program in Cellular, Molecular, and Genetics.

Service

The Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, located in Richmond, the capital of Virginia, is a vibrant and distinguished community of healers, researchers, and innovators committed to advancing health and scientific discovery. We seek exceptional individuals who are dedicated scholars, accomplished scientists, and emerging leaders to join us in advancing this mission.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in a quantitative with a distinguished record of research in structural biology
• Demonstrated expertise in large-scale multi-omics data integration, with a specific preference for leadership in emerging fields such as single-cell biology, spatial transcriptomics, or digital twin modeling
• Experience driving translational impact, including navigating technology transfer, managing intellectual property (IP), founding startups, or fostering strategic partnerships with the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries
• Demonstration of successful collaborative academic leadership
• Politically astute and able to work well with people at all levels - university, community, faculty, and staff
• Unimpeachable integrity and personal ethics
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to contribute in a highly matrixed academic environment
• Outgoing and personable demeanor and a track record of forging win-win relationships
• Outstanding communication skills, both oral and written
  
  

Salary Range: Commensurate

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU's robust benefits package, that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Restricted Position: No

ORP Eligible: Yes

Flexible Work Arrangement: Other

Rank: Assistant Professor

Tenure: Open

Months: 12 months

Contact Information

Contact Email: [e-mail]