JOBS
We are currently looking for talented researchers. People interested in joining our research group should send a resume and a brief list of research interests to the address given on the contact information.
Postdoctoral/Research Associate Position in Biophysics
We seek an exceptional postdoc researcher (experimentalist with preferred experience in MD simulations) to use a unique instrumentation to investigate the dynamics of proteins in biologically-relevant environments, namely, in aqueous solution or lipid bilayers. The candidate will play a critical role in the study of the dynamics of biomolecules and their interaction with nanoparticles at terahertz frequencies with VDI’s vector network analyzer extenders. This instrument spans the frequency range from 10 MHz to 2 THz with exceptional dynamic range, spectral resolution, and provides both absorption (amplitude) and refractive index (phase) of biomolecules in aqueous solution. The successful applicant will be responsible for commissioning and performing experiments with the unique vector network analyzer, and for developing a terahertz time-domain spectroscopy system with frequencies up to 5 THz for biological studies. Finally, she or he will use powerful new methods to elucidate protein structure and dynamics by combining Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Circular Dichroism (CD) experiments, and neutron scattering measurements at Oak Ridge National Lab.
This research is funded by a grant from Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) to the Virginia Tech’s Department of Physics. The postdoctoral fellow will join a highly interdisciplinary team led by Professors Vinh Nguyen, Rana Ashkar, Shengfeng Cheng (Department of Physics), and Daniel Capelluto (Department of Biological Sciences) at Virginia Tech. These individuals are internationally recognized physicists, chemists, and biochemists, each with a unique perspective and expertise.
The successful candidate will have demonstrated excellence in all stages of research, from operating, designing, building apparatus through MD simulations, data analysis and publication. Experience in microwave electronics, optics, femtosecond lasers, quasi-optics, clean-room experience, and MD simulations will be helpful. Interested candidates should submit a curriculum vitae, a 1-2 page statement about their qualifications and motivations for this project, and names and contact information for three individuals who can serve as references. The position is planned to begin as soon as possible. The initial appointment is for one year with an additional year contingent on performance.
Review of applications will begin on February 06, 2019 and will continue until the position is filled. For questions, please contact the Physics Department (540-231-7566) or Prof. Vinh Nguyen (vinh@vt.edu).