Flatiron Research Fellow - Statistical Biophysics, Center for Computational Biology

Simons Foundation; New York (NY); On-site; USD 86,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

The Center for Computational Biology (CCB) of the Simons Foundation’s Flatiron Institute is actively seeking enthusiastic, full-time post-doctoral Flatiron Research Fellows to join its Statistical Biophysics Group. The start date is flexible, with the Fellow expected to begin no later than September 2027.

FRFs are based in New York City and the two-year appointments may be renewed for a third year, with subsidized housing options.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field (applied mathematics, statistics, computational biology, biophysics, computer science, engineering, mathematical physics, or related disciplines).
• Demonstrated abilities in mathematical modeling, analysis and/or scientific computation, and data analysis/inference.
• Experience with scientific software and algorithm development, and image analysis.

Responsibilities

• Perform theoretical and computational research.
• Develop, implement and maintain scientific software.
• Organize seminars, workshops, and group meetings within CCB/Flatiron.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication and present at conferences.
• Share expertise and provide training to CCB staff and visitors.
• Mentor students and contribute to the scientific community.

Skills

Mathematical modeling

Analysis

Scientific computation

Scientific software

Algorithm development

Data analysis

Image analysis

Education

PhD in a relevant field

Job description

The Center for Computational Biology (CCB) of the Simons Foundation’s Flatiron Institute is actively seeking enthusiastic, full-time post-doctoral Flatiron Research Fellows to join its Statistical Biophysics Group. The start date is flexible, with the Fellow expected to begin no later than September 2027. Applications will be reviewed beginning in Fall 2026 and considered on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.

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 STATISTICAL BIOPHYSICS GROUP

The Statistical Biophysics Group seeks to understand fundamental biological phenomena using tools and concepts from physics, particularly statistical biophysics and stochastic dynamical systems theory. It currently focuses on dynamics and statistical properties of information processing networks, encompassing biochemical networks in cells, neural circuits in the brain and modern artificial neural networks (ANNs) used in machine learning.

Key research directions include dynamics of biological systems (investigating the dynamics of biochemical networks involved in signal transduction, adaptation and synchronization, as well as neural networks responsible for encoding, computation and learning), inference of biological networks (reverse engineering the underlying biochemical networks (structure and dynamics) of functional biological networks from experimental data based on machine learning methods), energetic costs of information processing (exploring how physical constraints on energy dissipation shape molecular mechanisms in biology and guide the design of efficient learning algorithms), and statistical physics of deep learning (understanding the mechanisms behind how ANNs learn and generalize and comparing these processes to learning and computation in real neural systems).

This research is carried out in collaboration with the Center for Computational Neuroscience, whose research focus on information processing in biological networks emphasizes biological and artificial neural networks.

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, 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
• Sharing expertise and providing training and guidance to CCB staff and visitors as needed.
• Assisting in student mentorship

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 start date is flexible, with the Fellow expected to begin no later than September 2027.

Qualifications

EDUCATION

• Ph.D. in a relevant field(applied mathematics, statistics, computational biology, 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 & 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.

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 toscienceand mathematicscareers.

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