Post-Doctoral Fellow, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering

Engineering a world of possibilities

• Post Doctoral Fellow
• THE OPPORTUNITY

A postdoctoral scholar position is available in Professor Alexander Pak’s research group in the Chemical and Biological Engineering Department at the Colorado School of Mines. The postdoctoral scholar will contribute to a research program focused on (i) the development of data-driven (e.g., machine-learned) methods for coarse-graining of macromolecules and (ii) their application to energy transduction systems across biology. Of specific interest are methods that capture faithful dynamics under equilibrium and nonequilibrium conditions.

The successful candidate will hold a Ph.D. in chemical engineering, chemistry, physics, materials science, biophysics, applied mathematics, computer science, or related field. The candidate must have experience with molecular simulation, statistical mechanics, or closely related computational methods, as well as strong programming and scientific computing skills. The candidate should demonstrate the ability to conduct independent computational research, analyze complex numerical or simulation data, and communicate research effectively through scientific publications and presentations. Preferred qualifications include experience with molecular dynamics, coarse-grained or multiscale modeling, and machine learning or other data-driven methods. Familiarity with stochastic or nonequilibrium thermodynamics is particularly relevant. The successful candidate will have flexibility to develop new methodological and scientific directions within the broader goals of the project and will work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment with other members of the group and external collaborators.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop computational methodologies to improve the accuracy, transferability, and dynamical fidelity of low-resolution coarse-grained models of biomolecular systems

Apply computational strategies to characterize and control biomolecular self-organization, including protein reorganization during energy transduction processes

Develop, implement, and maintain open-source code for coarse-grained modeling and simulation

Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals

Present research findings at conferences and symposia

Contribute to the preparation of technical reports and other deliverables for funding agencies

Contribute to the preparation of research proposals

Mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers and contribute to a collaborative research environment

JOB DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Must be able to relocate and work in-person in the laboratory

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications:

• •Ph.D. in chemical engineering, chemistry, physics, materials science, biophysics, applied mathematics, computer science, or related field, with demonstrated experience with molecular simulation, statistical mechanics, or closely related computational methods, as well as strong programming and scientific computing skills.
• •Knowledge of molecular simulation, statistical mechanics, and computational molecular science

Knowledge of molecular dynamics and the principles underlying coarse-graining and/or multiscale modeling

Ability to develop, implement, and critically evaluate new computational methodologies

Strong scientific programming, numerical analysis, and data analysis skills

Ability to independently formulate research questions, troubleshoot computational problems, and interpret simulation results

Ability to critically evaluate scientific literature and integrate concepts from multiple disciplines

Strong written and oral communication skills

Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team

Minimum Qualifications:

Experience with coarse-grained modeling, multiscale simulation, or the development of molecular simulation methods

Knowledge of stochastic and nonequilibrium dynamics or nonequilibrium statistical mechanics

Ability to connect mathematical or statistical descriptions of molecular dynamics with physically interpretable models

Familiarity with machine learning or other data-driven modeling approaches, particularly for molecular simulation or dynamical systems

Experience with molecular simulation software such as GROMACS, LAMMPS, or OpenMM and/or machine-learning frameworks such as Tensorflow, PyTorch, or JAX

Experience with high-performance computing environments, especially with GPU acceleration

Experience with reproducible scientific software development, including version control, documentation, and dissemination of scientific software

Ability to mentor and support graduate and undergraduate researchers

TOTAL REWARDS

Salary Rate: $62,500 annually

Mines takes into consideration a combination of candidate’s education, training and experience as well as the position’s scope and complexity, the discretion and latitude required in the role, work location, and external market and internal value when determining a salary level for potential new employees.

Benefits: Colorado School of Mines offers a robust portfolio of benefits for all employees. For this role, that includes:

• •Flexible health and dental care options
• •Generous sick/vacation time: 13 paid holidays per year – including a week-long winter break for the entire campus.
• •Fully vested retirement plan on first day of employment, with generous employer contribution
• •Tuition benefits (6 credits per year for employees, 50 percent discount for dependents)
• •Free RTD Ecopass for regional bus and lightrail

All Mines employees also have access to discount programs through the State of Colorado and free tickets for Mines Athletics home games, as well as access to the state-of-the-art Recreation Center (fitness classes and training, swimming pool and more) and equipment rentals through the Outdoor Rec Center. We are proud to have an on-campus daycare center. For more details about benefits at Mines, visit mines.edu/human-resources/benefits.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications must complete an online application (personal information, demographic information, veteran status) and upload the following (all required):

• •Upload a resume or CV
• •Upload a cover letter

Applicants will notice there is only one upload box for all materials. This posting may be used to fill more than one vacancy based on business needs. Contact Kathleen Feighny in HR at kfeighny@mines.edu ​ with any application questions.

About Mines & Golden, CO

When the world looks for answers, the world looks to Mines.

Colorado School of Mines is a top-ranked public university solving the grand challenges facing our society, particularly those related to the Earth, energy and the environment. Founded in 1874 with specialties in mining and metallurgy, Mines’ scope and mission have continually expanded to meet the needs of industry and society. Today, we are the No. 40 public university in the nation, recognized for our innovation and undergraduate teaching in science, technology engineering and math (U.S. News and World Report, 2026).

Mines graduates are change makers, boundary breakers and problem solvers. Since our earliest days, a Mines education has been and continues to be a transformational opportunity, with one of the strongest returns on investment out there for talented STEM students of all backgrounds.

At the same time, Mines faculty members are pushing their fields in new directions, whether that’s manufacturing, space resources, quantum engineering, carbon capture or more. Mines was recently classified as a R1 “Very High Activity” research institution by Carnegie, a notable feat for any university but particularly one of our size.

That size – roughly 8,200 undergraduate and graduate students – also translates to a close-knit campus community, where employees have opportunities to get involved in multiple ways, continued professional learning is valued and everyone can make an