Assistant Professor, Computational and Systems Biochemistry
About The Position
The Department of Biochemistry at Virginia Tech seeks an Assistant Professor for an academic-year, tenure-track position in Computational and Systems Biochemistry. The successful candidate will develop and/or apply computational, quantitative, and data-driven approaches to fundamental questions in biochemistry. Areas of interest include bioinformatics, computational genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, systems biochemistry, multi-omics integration, and artificial intelligence and machine learning applied to biochemical processes. Research integrating large-scale biological datasets with molecular mechanisms, metabolic pathways, regulatory networks, and biochemical function is particularly encouraged. The candidate will establish an independent, internationally recognized, and externally funded research program that advances understanding of biochemical systems. Both novel computational methodology development and application of advanced computational tools to important biological questions are welcome, particularly in collaboration with experimental researchers. The department has research strengths in infectious disease, microbial physiology and biochemistry, molecular genetics, computational modeling and simulation, and drug discovery. The position is housed in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech, with opportunities for interdisciplinary connections to plant and animal health, agricultural biotechnology, microbial systems, food science, and environmental sustainability. Research infrastructure includes mass spectrometry, short- and long-read sequencing, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, imaging and microscopy, and advanced research computing. The successful candidate will develop a competitive externally funded research program, publish scholarly work, mentor undergraduate and graduate researchers, and contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching in biochemistry and related computational disciplines, including the opportunity to develop courses in their area of expertise. The role also includes departmental service and supporting a welcoming and inclusive academic environment. The position is 70% research and 30% teaching, and requires occasional conference travel.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, or a closely related field by the appointment start date.
- At least two years of relevant postdoctoral research experience by the appointment start date.
- Evidence of research productivity and potential to establish an independent, externally funded research program.
- Ability to teach and mentor undergraduate and graduate students from diverse backgrounds.
Nice To Haves
- Demonstrated potential for interdisciplinary collaboration across biochemistry, molecular biology, agricultural sciences, and related fields.
- Record of submitting competitive research grant applications.
- Experience teaching, mentoring, and/or advising undergraduate and graduate students.
Responsibilities
- Establish an independent, internationally recognized, and externally funded research program advancing fundamental understanding of biochemical systems.
- Develop and/or apply computational, quantitative, and data-driven approaches to fundamental questions in biochemistry.
- Publish scholarly work.
- Mentor undergraduate and graduate researchers.
- Contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching in biochemistry and related computational disciplines.
- Develop courses within the candidate's area of expertise, as appropriate.
- Contribute to departmental service and support a welcoming and inclusive academic environment.
- Collaborate with experimental researchers and interdisciplinary colleagues.
- Travel occasionally to attend conferences.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
