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.

About the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
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.

About the University
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.

Benefits at UTA
We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to all our employees at the University.

To help applicants 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 as a UTA employee, please click on the following link:
https://resources.uta.edu/hr/services/records/compensation-tools.php

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.

To apply, applicants should go to https://apply.interfolio.com/185677 and submit the following materials:

Required Documents

Curriculum Vitae
Cover Letter
Contact References (provide one document with three contacts who may serve as recommenders).

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply early for the best consideration.

Questions may be addressed to Dr. Nam at [email protected].

For more information about UTA, please visit: http://www.uta.edu/uta.