Post Doctoral Research Associate

The University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Jing Li Lab in the Department of Chemistry at The University of Georgia is seeking two postdoctoral researchers to join our team. Positions focus on molecular dynamics simulations, computational biophysics, and AI-based approaches to study ion channels and membrane transporters, aiming to connect structural changes to human disease and support drug design.

We offer a collaborative environment with mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and opportunities for career advancement within a

Qualifications

• Experience applying artificial intelligence to develop computational tools, predictive models, or analytical frameworks for scientific research.
• Experience with conformational free-energy calculations (umbrella sampling, metadynamics, replica-exchange).
• Experience with multiscale molecular modeling and coarse-grained simulations.
• Experience studying molecular mechanisms of membrane proteins.

Responsibilities

• Design, conduct, analyze, and interpret computational research studies.
• Develop and apply molecular dynamics simulations, data-analysis, and machine-learning workflows.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication and contribute to grant proposals.

Skills

Molecular dynamics

Machine learning

Scientific writing

Collaboration

Education

Ph.D. degree (related field)

Job description

Position Details

Posting Title: Post Doctoral Research Associate Department Franklin-Chemistry

Location of Vacancy: Athens Area

Employment Type: Employee

Schedule: M-F, 8am-5pm; Evening and weekend work may be needed.

Salary: Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Start Date (anticipated): 01/01/2027

Posting Date: 07/28/2026

Closing Date: Open Until Filled Yes

About the University of Georgia

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,200 faculty and more than 7,900 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 44,000 students including over 33,000 undergraduates and over 11,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 20 schools and colleges, including the newly established School of Medicine and the Victoria Kay Investor School of Nursing.

Franklin College of Arts and Sciences is the heart of the University of Georgia’s learning environment, advancing new knowledge, research, scholarship and creative output by faculty, students, and staff in more than 80-degree programs across 40+ units.

College/Unit/Department website https://jinglilab.com

Equal Opportunity and Diversity

We are an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]). We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion.

USG Core Values Statement: Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect.

More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Design, conduct, analyze, and interpret computational research studies.
• Develop and apply molecular simulation, data-analysis, and machine-learning workflows.

Percentage of time: 60

• Prepare manuscripts for publication and contribute to grant proposals.

Percentage of time: 15

• Present research findings at group meetings, collaborative meetings, and scientific conferences.
• Collaborate with computational and experimental researchers.

Percentage of time: 10

• Assist with training of graduate and undergraduate students.

Percentage of time: 10

• Contribute to workshops, scientific presentations, group activities, and other scholarly or professional-service activities.

Percentage of time: 5

Position Information

Classification Title: Post-Doctoral Associate AD FLSA Exempt UGA Job Code FTE 1.0 Minimum Qualifications Position Summary

The Jing Li Lab (https://jinglilab.com) in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Georgia is seeking two highly motivated postdoctoral researchers to join our team. These are fully funded positions focused on applying molecular dynamics simulations, computational biophysics, and artificial intelligence–based approaches to investigate the molecular mechanisms and pharmacology of ion channels and membrane transporters.

The successful candidates will study how structural and functional alterations in these membrane proteins contribute to human disease and will help develop computational strategies for therapeutic discovery and drug design. Our group provides a collaborative, team-oriented research environment with extensive opportunities for scientific mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, professional development, and career advancement.

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification In Position

• A Ph.D. degree, completed or expected in the near future, in biophysics, chemistry, biochemistry, computational biology, bioinformatics, biomedical sciences, or a closely related field.

Preferred Skills

• Experience applying artificial intelligence to develop computational tools, predictive models, or analytical frameworks for scientific research.
• Experience with conformational free-energy calculations, such as umbrella sampling, metadynamics, replica-exchange methods, or related enhanced-sampling techniques.
• Experience with multiscale molecular modeling and simulation, particularly coarse-grained simulations.
• Experience studying molecular mechanisms of membrane proteins.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Strong experience in molecular dynamics simulations or machine learning modeling applied to biomolecular systems.
• Demonstrated research productivity, including publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Strong scientific writing and data-presentation skills.
• Excellent communication skills, ability to work independently, and a collaborative team mindset.

Physical Demands

Is this a Position of Trust? No

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No

Does this position require a P-Card? No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No

Is driving a requirement of this position? No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) No

Offers of Employment

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.