Position Title
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Position Status
Full-time
Open to
External and Internal
Job Summary
The research group of Dr. Kwangho Nam in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Science, at the University of Texas at Arlington invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position focused on QM/MM and Machine Learning Development, with Applications to Enzyme Mechanism Research.
This position is expected to start immediately.
About Professor Nam’s research group
Dr. Nam’s research, supported by NIH and Welch Foundation, focuses on the development of hybrid QM/MM methodologies, machine learning approaches, and advanced free energy simulation methods. These methods are applied to investigate enzyme catalysis, conformational dynamics, allosteric regulation, and drug discovery. The group utilizes state-of-the-art computational tools, including CHARMM, AMBER, OpenMM, and a range of quantum chemistry programs.
Benefits at UTA
We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to all our employees at the University.
To help you understand the full value of these benefits, we have created a tool that calculates the total worth of your compensation package. This tool takes into account all of the benefits that you are eligible for, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. To access this tool and learn more about the total value of your benefits, please click on the following link:
https://resources.uta.edu/hr/services/records/compensation-tools.php
CBC Requirement
It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington to conduct a criminal background check on any applicant who is under final consideration for employment with the University.
This position may have access to critical infrastructure as defined by Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code. If so, to be hired for and continue to be employed in this position you must maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure as set forth in Texas Executive Order GA-48. By assuming this position, and if you have access to critical infrastructure, you authorize the University to conduct routine background checks.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Postdoctoral Research Associate will conduct research focused on the development and application of advanced QM/MM and machine learning methodologies to investigate enzymatic reaction mechanisms. Responsibilities include performing computational simulations, analyzing results and effectively communicating findings through written reports and oral presentations. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will work under the supervision of Prof. Nam while contributing independently to ongoing research projects.
Required Qualifications
Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in chemistry, physics, or a closely related field. The ideal candidate will demonstrate creativity, independence, and strong motivation. A solid background in computational and theoretical chemistry is required, including experience with molecular dynamics simulations, statistical mechanics, and electronic structure theory. Proficiency in scientific programming is essential, with experience in Python, Fortran, and parallel computing frameworks (e.g., MPI and OpenMP) and/or GPU-accelerated computing.
Special Conditions for Eligibility
Department Information
The UTA Chemistry and Biochemistry Department offers many specialized undergraduate degree programs that offer an excellent foundation in chemistry and biochemistry, and our graduate programs provide advanced training in a collaborative research environment which has the Carnegie Classification’s highest rating: R1 Doctoral Universities – “Very High Research Activity.” The UTA Chemistry and Biochemistry Department hosts 23 tenured and tenure-track faculty and several scientists conducting highly innovative and collaborative research. Guided by its Strategic Plan 2025: Bold Solutions/Global Impact, the University fosters interdisciplinary research and education within five broad themes: health and the human condition, sustainable communities, global environmental impact, data-driven discovery and culture and society transformations. Its strategic location in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex also offers a rich environment for industry-university collaboration in research and development.
University Information
The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metroplex, a vibrant and diverse metropolitan area that is home to over 7 million people, one of the fastest-growing tech economies in the United States, and a wide array of arts, entertainment, and cultural activities. As a comprehensive teaching, research, and public service institution, UTA is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through scholarship and creative work. With an enrollment of more than 42,000 students, UTA is the second largest in the University of Texas System. As a result of its combination of rigorous academics and innovative research, UTA is designated as a Carnegie R-1 “Very High Research Activity” institution and nationally recognized for its commitment to student success and service. It ranks No. 5 in Military Times’ “Best for Vets: Colleges” and is the top university in North Texas for its graduates’ salaries (The Wall Street Journal). UTA is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution and is No. 6 for undergraduate ethnic diversity in the United States (U.S. News & World Report, 2023). With a global alumni network of approximately 280,000 – including leaders at many of the 24 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in North Texas – UTA contributes an estimated $29 billion annually to the Texas economy.
UTA is expanding its regional footprint by building a regional campus, called UTA West, in Parker County on the far west side of Fort Worth. It is scheduled to open in fall 2028. This initiative aligns with the university’s strategic growth and commitment to serving the broader community. Furthermore, UTA has launched the RISE 100 initiative, aiming to recruit 100 new tenure-system faculty to strengthen its research enterprise and leadership in key academic areas. Learn more at https://www.uta.edu/administration/president/strategic-plan/rise100.
This is an exciting time to join UTA and contribute to its bold vision for the future.
EEO Statement
It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA or The University) to provide an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. In accordance with federal and state law, the University prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, and/or veteran status. The University also prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity, and gender expression. Retaliation against persons who oppose a discriminatory practice, file a charge of discrimination, or testify for, assist in, or participate in an investigative proceeding relating to discrimination is prohibited. Constitutionally-protected expression will not be considered discrimination or harassment under this policy. It is the responsibility of all departments, employees, and students to ensure the University’s compliance with this policy.
ADA Accommodations
The University of Texas at Arlington is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to 817-272-5554 or email
[email protected].
