Computational Soft Matter Modeler

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 105,000 - 290,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory is seeking a Computational Soft Matter Researcher to model macromolecules and solve problems in polymers, biopolymers, and related systems. You will work on projects supporting government agencies with multiscale modeling across length and time scales.

The role requires a Ph.D. and 3+ years of physics-based simulations, with expertise in MD, computational chemistry, ML, and parallel computing. Travel and security clearance eligibility are expected.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biochemical, Chemical or Mechanical Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or equivalent.
• 3+ years of physics-based simulations of macromolecules (quantum-chemistry, classical MD, or coarse-grained models).
• Ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams; strong communication with experimental colleagues.
• Must be able to travel occasionally and obtain a Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Develop models of macromolecules to relate structure and function across length/time scales.
• Perform analyses of macromolecular properties (structural, thermodynamic, chemical, electromagnetic).
• Leverage MD, computational chemistry, coarse graining, enhanced sampling, statistics, and ML methods.
• Collaborate daily with analysts, scientists, and engineers.
• Propose future projects and craft reports/presentations for government partners.

Skills

MATLAB

C/C++

Python

FORTRAN

Education

PhD in relevant field

Tools

GPU

MPI

OpenMP

Job description

Description Are you a creative person driven to solve new problems?

Are you searching for impactful work in computational engineering and research that doesn’t confine you to working on the same thing year after year?

Does making meaningful contributions to projects using synthetic and bio-derived polymers to solve problems in human health, sensing, and biomanufacturing sound like a dream job?

If so, we’re looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We are seeking a Computational Soft Matter Modeler to help model key physical processes in complex systems involving soft materials, including polymers and biopolymers, to solve impactful challenges. As a member of our team, you will contribute to exciting projects supporting the US Department of Defense and other government agencies. Our team strives to develop, apply, and maintain deep expertise in multiscale modeling techniques that give insight across key length and time scales. You will work alongside analysts, laboratory scientists, and engineers who have a passion for applying our modeling results to physical systems that advance the state of the art and have real-world impact.

As a Computational Soft Matter Researcher, You Will

• Develop and use models of macromolecules to determine relationships between structure and function across a variety of length and time scales, from enzymatic activity and chemical reactivity, to large-scale mechanical properties and flow.
• Perform and develop analyses spanning a broad range of macromolecular characteristics including structural, thermodynamic, chemical, and electromagnetic phenomena.
• Leverage modeling methods including classical molecular dynamics, computational chemistry, coarse graining, enhanced sampling, statistics, and machine learning.
• Actively collaborate with analysts, scientists, and engineers on a day-to-day basis.
• Propose future projects and initiatives.
• Craft reports and give presentations to communicate results to team members and government partners.

We’re looking for talented and versatile computational researchers who are excited to expand their analytical toolbox. If you have experience in any of the methods or tools above, and are motivated to learn even more, we want to talk to you.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you have:

• A Ph.D. in Biochemical, Chemical or Mechanical Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or equivalent with demonstrated application of knowledge to answer complex questions.
• 3+ years of experience in performing physics-based simulations of macromolecules, such as quantum-chemistry calculations, classical molecular dynamics or coarse-grained molecular models.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently with minimal guidance, and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate with experimental colleagues.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel occasionally to attend meetings or tests at other government and contractor sites.
• Ability to work in closed area facilities.
• Are able to obtain a Secret level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You’ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you have:

• Experience developing models of macromolecules that convey information across simulations at different length/time scales or physics.
• Experience modeling macromolecules and their environmental interactions for specific applications in sensing, biomanufacturing, or medical countermeasures.
• Expertise in developing and/or applying machine learning models for accelerated simulation, screening, or design of macromolecules.
• Scientific/engineering programming experience, with the ability to work in multiple languages (MATLAB, C/C++, Python, FORTRAN, …) and algorithms commonly used in computational science and engineering.
• Experience using hardware accelerators (e.g. GPUs) and familiarity with parallel programming techniques (MPI/OpenMP).
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to team-based software development.
• A track record of concurrently contributing impactful technical work to multiple efforts.
• Experience collaborating closely with experimental colleagues to develop novel approaches or technical solutions.

Minimum Rate

$105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$290,000 Annually