Postdoctoral Scholar Research

University of South Florida • Tampa, FL

4d

About The Position

The Samanta group and the Simmons Group at the University of South Florida is seeking applicants for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position focused on molecular dynamics simulation to design peptidomimetic polymers for advanced materials applications . The selected postdoctoral researcher will work at the nexus of an interdisciplinary team spanning simulations, experiments, machine learning, theory, polymer science, and protein science. The successful candidate will integrate all-atom and coarse-grained models of peptides and peptidomimetic polymers to design and understand new sequence-controlled materials. They will plan, execute, and analyze large-scale peptide simulations, develop new computational methods to analyze their results, work with and mentor more junior, and actively collaborate across disciplinary lines. The Samanta group uses molecular simulations and machine learning techniques to study how proteins behave in different environments, ranging from the cellular membrane to proteins in the presence of polymers. The Simmons group has a record of cutting-edge computational research in the dynamics and mechanics of glasses, nanocomposites, and sequence controlled polymers. For more on the Samanta group and their recent publications, see the group’s webpage at https://sites.google.com/view/rituparnasamanta/bio?authuser=2 . For more on the Simmons group and recent publications, see the Simmons laboratory webpage at https://sites.google.com/view/simmonsresearchgroup/home . This postdoctoral position is supported by the USF Collaborative Research Excellence and Translational Efforts (CREATE) award, whose objective is to create new century sequence-specified macromolecular materials. The position is available as early as January 2026, with a start date no later than June 2026. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in chemical engineering, physics, mechanical engineering, or a closely related field by their start date. We are located in the Department of Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering at the University of South Florida. USF is located in Tampa, a thriving metropolitan area of more than 3 million people situated in an idyllic location on Tampa Bay. Interested candidates should contact Dr. Rituparna Samanta ( [email protected] ) or Dr. David Simmons at [email protected] and submit a detailed CV and contact information for three professional references.

Requirements

• Doctoral degree from an accredited institution and appropriate experience and training within a selected area of specialization.
• Must meet university criteria for appointment to the rank of Postdoctoral Fellow.
• Ph.D. in chemical engineering, physics, mechanical engineering, or a closely related field by their start date.
• Experience in molecular dynamics simulation with biological systems, soft matter is strongly preferred.

Nice To Haves

• Evidence of success in team research and in mentorship will be viewed favorably.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and analyze large-scale peptide simulations
• Develop new computational methods to analyze their results
• Work with and mentor more junior
• Actively collaborate across disciplinary lines

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees