Research Engineering/ Scientist Assitant - Computational Biology and Protein Modeling

University of Texas; Austin, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 67,000; Part time

Job summary

University of Texas at Austin's Oden Institute invites a motivated Research Engineering/Scientist Assistant to contribute to computational biology and protein modeling. You will work on docking, structure prediction, and examining large datasets to derive meaningful insights that guide experiments.

The role requires a strong background in biochemistry, molecular biology, biophysics, or bioinformatics, with experience in visualization tools and Python scripting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant or related field.
• Solid understanding of protein structure and function; amino acid properties, domains and interactions.
• Experience with PyMOL/ChimeraX or similar molecular visualization tools.
• Basic scripting or programming, preferably Python.

Responsibilities

• Apply protein docking and structure-prediction methods to biologically relevant systems.
• Prepare protein, peptide, antibody, and small-molecule structures for computational experiments.
• Run, organize, and analyze large-scale computational studies.
• Evaluate protein interfaces and binding modes for plausibility.
• Collaborate with machine-learning researchers and experimental teams.

Skills

Biochemistry

Molecular biology

Biophysics

Bioinformatics

Python

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant or related field

Tools

PyMOL

ChimeraX

BLAST

Foldseek

Job description

**Job Posting Title:**Research Engineering/ Scientist Assitant - Computational Biology and Protein Modeling**----****Hiring Department:**Oden Institute**----****Position Open To:**All Applicants**----****Weekly Scheduled Hours:**20**----****FLSA Status:**To Be Determined at Offer**----****Earliest Start Date:**Ongoing**----****Position Duration:**Limited Duration Based on Business Need**----****Location:**UT MAIN CAMPUS**----****Job Details:**## General NotesThe Oden Institute is an organized research unit that fosters interdisciplinary programs in computational sciences and engineering, computational medicine, computational geosciences, mathematical modeling, applied mathematics, data science, artificial intelligence, software engineering, and computational visualization.The University of Texas at Austin is a nationally ranked, tier-one research institution and one of the largest employers in central Texas. UT is located in the heart of Austin, a vibrant city that frequently appears on lists of best cities to live and work. Committed to recruiting and retaining a varied and talented workforce, the university offers competitive salaries and benefits, an extensive support network, and above all, an enriching and highly collaborative community that is deeply passionate about our vision for higher education and public service.UT Austin offers a competitive benefits package that includes:* 100% employer-paid basic medical coverage* Retirement contributions* Paid vacation and sick time* Paid holidaysPlease visit our Human Resources (HR) website to learn more about the total benefits offered.NOTE: This position is initially appointed for a six-month term. Continuation beyond the initial six-month assignment is contingent upon funding availability and satisfactory performance.## PurposeWe are inviting highly motivated individual to join our research group at the Oden Institute, University of Texas at Austin. This opportunity is designed for individuals with a strong background in biochemistry, molecular biology, biophysics, or a related field who are interested in applying computational methods to problems in protein structure, molecular interactions, and drug discovery.## ResponsibilitiesThe selected candidate will work on the biological application, evaluation, and interpretation of our computational models. Depending on experience and project needs, responsibilities may include: Research* Applying protein docking and structure-prediction methods to biologically relevant systems* Preparing protein, peptide, antibody, and small-molecule structures for computational experiments* Running, organizing, and analyzing large-scale computational studies* Comparing predictions produced by different docking and structure-prediction tools* Evaluating protein interfaces, binding modes, structural quality, and biological plausibility* Working with structural and biological databases such as the Protein Data Bank, UniProt, Pfam, InterPro, and related resources* Using tools such as PyMOL, ChimeraX, BLAST, Foldseek, and molecular modeling or docking software* Designing computational experiments and selecting appropriate controls, benchmarks, and evaluation metrics* Interpreting computational results in the context of known biochemical and experimental data Research documentation and communication* Preparing figures, structural visualizations, reports, and presentations Research coordination and collaboration* Collaborating with machine-learning researchers to identify model limitations and guide further development* Working with experimental collaborators to propose testable hypotheses and prioritize computational predictions for validation## Required Qualifications* Bachelor's Degree in a relevant or related field* A strong background in biochemistry, molecular biology, structural biology, biophysics, bioinformatics, or a related discipline* A solid understanding of protein structure and function, including: + Amino acid properties and protein folding + Protein domains and conformational changes + Protein–protein and protein–ligand interactions + Noncovalent interactions, binding interfaces, and molecular recognition* Experience using PyMOL, ChimeraX, or similar molecular visualization software* Familiarity with biological and structural databases* Ability to analyze scientific literature and connect computational predictions with biological mechanisms* Basic scripting or programming experience, preferably in Python* Comfort working in Linux environments and running computational tools from the command line* Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple computational experiments and datasets* Careful attention to structural quality, data interpretation, and reproducibility *Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.*## Preferred Qualifications* Prior experience with protein docking, molecular dynamics, structural alignment, virtual screening, high-performance computing, or machine-learning-based structure-prediction tools is helpful but not required. Training will be provided, but candidates should be motivated to learn new computational methods and work independently.## Salary Range$3,000 monthly (50% Full Time Equivalent)## Working Conditions* May work around standard office conditions* Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation* Use of manual dexterity## Required Materials* Resume/CV* 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor* A brief description of your research interests and relevant experience, and any examples of previous computational or structural biology work.**Important** **for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers:** You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.