Postdoctoral Position (AI/Structural Computational Biology) at Rice University
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Lydia Kavraki
Aug 11, 2025, 5:35:48 PM8/11/25
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This position is open only to US citizens or permanent residents. This is a restriction from the funder that cannot be changed. If you are not a US citizen or a green card holder, please skip the rest of this message and do not apply.
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Rice University
Postdoctoral Position in AI for Computational Structural Biology
The Kavraki Lab at Rice University (https://www.kavrakilab.org) invites applications for a postdoctoral research associate position in computational modeling of biomolecular interactions. The successful candidate will contribute to a project that integrates traditional physics-based modeling of protein structures with modern AI and machine learning (AI/ML) approaches to advance our understanding of biomolecular recognition. The focus of our research is to develop innovative computational methodologies for analyzing peptide–HLA complexes and their recognition by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). These methodologies will be implemented into robust, user-friendly toolkits (see, for example, https://proteancr.kavrakilab.rice.edu/). Our work is driven by high-impact applications: advancing cancer immunotherapies and addressing age-related diseases. Beyond applying existing AI/ML approaches to biological problems, we strive to pioneer new computational frameworks that expand our understanding of biology. This position offers the opportunity to work at the interface of computational biophysics, artificial intelligence, and translational biomedical research, in close collaboration with experimentalists and clinicians.
Due to funding rules, this position is only open to US citizens or permanent residents.
The individual recruited to fill this position will work closely with collaborators at the MD Anderson Cancer Center and other researchers at the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical complex in the world.
QUALIFICATIONS: The ideal candidate will have a strong enthusiasm for interdisciplinary work. Required skills include training in AI/ML, excellent analytical skills, and strong experience with programming in Python. Some structural biology background is needed. Prior knowledge of immunology is not required, but it is desirable. Familiarity with bioinformatics databases and tools is also desirable. A Ph.D. is required for the position in a related field. In the past, successful candidates had degrees in Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Data Science, Bioengineering, Biophysics, Computational Biology, Physics, and Chemistry. Excellent communication and collaboration skills are required as the selected candidate will be expected to work closely with current lab members and collaborators.
DURATION: Postdoctoral research associates are eligible for up to two years of support. All re-appointments are dependent upon a satisfactory progress review and continued funding.
ABOUT RICE UNIVERSITY: As a leading research university with a distinctive commitment to undergraduate education, Rice University (http://www.rice.edu) aspires to path-breaking research, unsurpassed teaching, and contributions to the betterment of our world. It seeks to fulfill this mission by cultivating a diverse community of learning and discovery that produces leaders across the spectrum of human endeavor. Rice University, an equal opportunity employer and a Tier 1 Research University, is located in the vibrant urban setting of Houston, TX, the fourth largest city in the U.S. In the 2025 edition of Best Colleges, Rice University is ranked No. #18 in National Universities. It's also ranked No. #6 in Best Value Schools. The student-faculty ratio at Rice University is 6:1.
ABOUT THE LAB: The Kavraki Lab (https://www.kavrakilab.org) develops computational methods and tools to model protein structure and function, understand biomolecular interactions, aid the process of medicinal drug discovery, analyze the molecular machinery of the cell, and help integrate biological and biomedical data for improving human health. The Lab provides a stimulating working environment and has an excellent record of placing postdocs in faculty and research positions. The Computer Science Department at Rice University is part of the Gulf Coast Consortia for Quantitative Biomedical Sciences (https://www.gulfcoastconsortia.org) and offers an unparalleled training environment. The Ken Kennedy Institute at Rice University (https://kenkennedy.rice.edu) provides an unparalleled interdisciplinary environment for research.
Interested applicants should contact Professor Lydia Kavraki (kav...@rice.edu) and provide a CV and a brief research statement.
Postdoctoral Position in AI for Computational Structural Biology
The Kavraki Lab at Rice University (https://www.kavrakilab.org) invites applications for a postdoctoral research associate position in computational modeling of biomolecular interactions. The successful candidate will contribute to a project that integrates traditional physics-based modeling of protein structures with modern AI and machine learning (AI/ML) approaches to advance our understanding of biomolecular recognition. The focus of our research is to develop innovative computational methodologies for analyzing peptide–HLA complexes and their recognition by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). These methodologies will be implemented into robust, user-friendly toolkits (see, for example, https://proteancr.kavrakilab.rice.edu/). Our work is driven by high-impact applications: advancing cancer immunotherapies and addressing age-related diseases. Beyond applying existing AI/ML approaches to biological problems, we strive to pioneer new computational frameworks that expand our understanding of biology. This position offers the opportunity to work at the interface of computational biophysics, artificial intelligence, and translational biomedical research, in close collaboration with experimentalists and clinicians.
Due to funding rules, this position is only open to US citizens or permanent residents.
The individual recruited to fill this position will work closely with collaborators at the MD Anderson Cancer Center and other researchers at the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical complex in the world.
QUALIFICATIONS: The ideal candidate will have a strong enthusiasm for interdisciplinary work. Required skills include training in AI/ML, excellent analytical skills, and strong experience with programming in Python. Some structural biology background is needed. Prior knowledge of immunology is not required, but it is desirable. Familiarity with bioinformatics databases and tools is also desirable. A Ph.D. is required for the position in a related field. In the past, successful candidates had degrees in Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Data Science, Bioengineering, Biophysics, Computational Biology, Physics, and Chemistry. Excellent communication and collaboration skills are required as the selected candidate will be expected to work closely with current lab members and collaborators.
DURATION: Postdoctoral research associates are eligible for up to two years of support. All re-appointments are dependent upon a satisfactory progress review and continued funding.
ABOUT RICE UNIVERSITY: As a leading research university with a distinctive commitment to undergraduate education, Rice University (http://www.rice.edu) aspires to path-breaking research, unsurpassed teaching, and contributions to the betterment of our world. It seeks to fulfill this mission by cultivating a diverse community of learning and discovery that produces leaders across the spectrum of human endeavor. Rice University, an equal opportunity employer and a Tier 1 Research University, is located in the vibrant urban setting of Houston, TX, the fourth largest city in the U.S. In the 2025 edition of Best Colleges, Rice University is ranked No. #18 in National Universities. It's also ranked No. #6 in Best Value Schools. The student-faculty ratio at Rice University is 6:1.
ABOUT THE LAB: The Kavraki Lab (https://www.kavrakilab.org) develops computational methods and tools to model protein structure and function, understand biomolecular interactions, aid the process of medicinal drug discovery, analyze the molecular machinery of the cell, and help integrate biological and biomedical data for improving human health. The Lab provides a stimulating working environment and has an excellent record of placing postdocs in faculty and research positions. The Computer Science Department at Rice University is part of the Gulf Coast Consortia for Quantitative Biomedical Sciences (https://www.gulfcoastconsortia.org) and offers an unparalleled training environment. The Ken Kennedy Institute at Rice University (https://kenkennedy.rice.edu) provides an unparalleled interdisciplinary environment for research.
Interested applicants should contact Professor Lydia Kavraki (kav...@rice.edu) and provide a CV and a brief research statement.
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