The Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C. invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in developing novel synthetic recognition elements using AI tools.

By participating in Dow funded research programs, the successful candidate will be responsible for (1) preparation of potential synthetic binders, mainly single domain antibodies and minibidners, toward the assigned targets ; (2) Evaluating the binders using immunobead assays, biochemical and biophysical assays; (3) Model the interaction between the binders and their corresponding targets; (4) attending conferences and writing manuscripts. The candidate will have 2 years of financial support, access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and an opportunity for permanent employment based on performance and funding.

The candidate must have acquired a Ph.D. in biochemistry, molecular biology and computer modeling within the past five years and have demonstrated experience with computer modeling biochemistry and molecular biology. The candidate must be well-organized, self-motivated and possess excellent written and oral communication skills.

Qualified candidates should send complete applications (curriculum vitae, description of research accomplishments and interests, contact information of three references) via e-mail to Dr. Jinny Liu (jinny.l.liu.civ@us.navy.mil). The Naval Research Laboratory is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

References

Jinny L. Liu, Gabrielle C. Bayacal, Jerome Anthony E. Alvarez, Lisa C. Shriver-Lake, Ellen R. Goldman1, Scott N. Dean (2025) Generative deep learning design of single domain antibodies against Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus. Antibodies 14(2), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/antib14020041

Scott N Dean, Jinny L Liu, and Ellen Goldman. Generative artificial intelligence design of single domain antibodies that bind Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus. Navy case# 212548; USPTO patent application No 19/649,425. PCT

Jinny L Liu, Alexander Ditzel, Scott Dean, Mathew Henry, Monica Campbell, and Biswajit Biswas. 2026. Novel diverse synthetic phage libraries to overcome resistant Klebsiella spp. Scientific Reports in press.

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Additional Benefits

Awardees who reside more than 50 miles from their host laboratory and remain on tenure for at least six months are eligible for paid relocation to within the vicinity of their host laboratory.

A group health insurance program is available to awardees and their qualifying dependents in the United States.