PhD students

University of North Texas; Denton (TX); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Texas in Denton invites applications for a PhD position in the Han Lab focusing on GPCR signaling, multiscale simulations, and AI-driven design of biologics.

You will contribute to interdisciplinary research at the interface of molecular biophysics and therapeutic design, with opportunities to collaborate across computational and experimental teams.

Qualifications

• Experience with molecular dynamics simulations and/or protein modeling.
• Biology-related coursework.
• Experience in computational biophysics or computational biology or related field.

Responsibilities

• Engage in interdisciplinary research at the interface of molecular biophysics, hormone signaling and therapeutic design.
• Use multiscale simulations to study GPCR interactions and signaling.
• Collaborate with experimental (wet-lab) researchers where applicable.

Skills

Molecular dynamics simulations

Protein modeling

Biology coursework

Job description

PhD Position Overview

The Han Lab is seeking highly motivated PhD students to contribute to interdisciplinary research at the interface of molecular biophysics, hormone signaling, and therapeutic design (lab site: https://sites.google.com/view/teamhanlab). Fall 2027 applications are now open.The deadline to submit the application is December 1, 2026.

https://cos.unt.edu/biology/graduate-admissions.html

The primary focus of the lab is on G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), particularly those involved in cardiovascular and hormone signaling pathways. Using multiscale simulations—combining molecular dynamics, enhanced sampling, and kinetic modeling—the team investigates how neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and hormones such as estrogen interact with β-adrenergic and estrogen-related GPCRs. These studies aim to uncover the molecular basis of GPCR cross-talk and its impact on sex-specific cardiovascular function and disease. The lab isalso interested in AI-driven design of peptides and proteins for therapeutic applications. This includes previously developed novel peptide drugs inspired by natural toxins to selectively target ion channels, as well as engineering antimicrobial peptides using machine learning and structural modeling approaches. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work onthe mechanistic study of GPCR-mediated signaling, the rational design of next-generation biologics for precision medicine, and beyond.

Requirements

Experience in computational biophysics, computational biology or a related field

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience with molecular dynamics simulations and/or protein modeling
• with Biology related courses

Preferred Qualifications

• Development and application of AI-driven methods in computational biomedical/biological related research
• Experience collaborating with experimental (wet-lab) researchers
• Strong verbal and written skills

Application Materials

• CV with contact information for three references

Contact

• Please contact Dr. Yanxiao Han by email: [e-mail]