Job Description

Job Description:Research Associate I performs varying standardized laboratory assignments and experiments.Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in basic science or equivalent and no experience required.Preferred Qualifications:Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Data Science, or a related quantitative fieldStrong programming skills in PythonExperience with machine learning frameworks such as PyTorchExcellent problem-solving ability and willingness to learn new computational methodsStrong written and verbal communication skillsAbility to work independently while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary teamExperience with graph neural networks, deep learning, large language models, or generative AIExperience with computational biology, structural biology, bioinformatics, or biological data analysisExperience with Linux, Git/GitHub, and high-performance computingFamiliarity with protein structures, molecular simulations, or omics datasetJob Duties:Under direct supervision, performs standard research assignments involving a series of related operations.Sets up and conducts standard research experiments following detailed technical instructions.Prepares biological assays and conducts basic quantitative and qualitative analysis.Maintains records of all tests performed and data collected.Assists in the compilation and tabulation of data and provides preliminary analysis.Assembles, calibrates, operates and makes minor modifications to a variety of laboratory equipment as defined by appropriate guidelines.Adheres to internal controls established for department.Performs related duties as required.Skills:Biological AnalysisQuantitative AnalysisQualitative AnalysisTabulation of DataEquipment CalibrationStandard Laboratory EquipmentWorking Environment:Standard laboratory environment.Salary Range:Commensurate with experience.Research Associate I (Computational Biology / Machine Learning)The Zhao Research Group at UTMB is seeking one highly motivated Research Associate to join our growing interdisciplinary research team. Supported by the Welch Foundation and other research programs, our laboratory develops physics-informed AI methods for understanding biological systems, with applications ranging from molecular biophysics and protein interactions to multi-omics integration, disease modeling, and therapeutic discovery.Our research sits at the intersection of Biophysics AI Computational Biology. We combine structural biology, graph machine learning, protein language models, statistical physics, and systems biology to develop computational methods that address fundamental biological questions and accelerate drug discovery.Research AreasSuccessful candidates will contribute to one or more of the following projects:AI and graph neural networks for protein-protein interaction prediction.Physics-informed machine learning for protein binding affinity prediction.Multi-scale modeling integrating molecular structures, protein interaction networks, and single-cell multi-omics.Large language models and foundation models for biological systems.AI-assisted therapeutic target discovery and disease network analysis.What We OfferThe Zhao Research Group provides a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment with opportunities to work on cutting-edge computational biology research. Team members will contribute to method development, software engineering, scientific publications, conference presentations, and collaborative projects with investigators at UTMB and other leading institutions. Outstanding Research Associates interested in pursuing graduate training will receive strong mentorship and opportunities for scientific and professional development. ApplicationPlease send the following materials to hazhao@utmb.edu:Curriculum vitaeBrief statement describing your research interests and career goalsContact information for 2–3 references(Optional) GitHub profile or representative code repositoryApplications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:UTMB Health strives to provide equal opportunity employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. As a Federal Contractor, UTMB Health takes affirmative action to hire and advance protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Compensation

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