Flatiron Research Fellow - Biophysical Modeling, Center for Computational Biology

About the Role

The Center for Computational Biology (CCB), an in-house research center of the Simons Foundation’s Flatiron Institute, is actively seeking enthusiastic, full-time post-doctoral Flatiron Research Fellows to join its Biophysical Modeling Group. The start date is flexible, with the Fellow expected to begin no later than September 2027. Applications will be reviewed beginning in Fall 2026 and considered on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.

About the Center for Computational Biology

CCB has a twofold mission: to develop the rigorous modeling tools and theory needed for understanding biological processes, and to create computational frameworks that will facilitate the analysis of the large, complex data sets being generated by quantitative experimental technologies. To accomplish this, CCB brings together experts in various biological domains (including genomics, molecular, cellular, and developmental biology) whose approaches are informed by the modern computational tools of applied mathematics, statistical inference, artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), biophysics, and computer science. The goal is to enable CCB to undertake ambitious, long-term research projects that transcend conventional disciplinary boundaries and lead to a quantitative and predictive understanding of biological phenomena, as well as to develop high-quality, well-tested, versatile, and extensible software across its research areas.

CCB currently comprises more than 50 scientists at various career stages, from Ph.Ds to senior scientists, as well as visiting scientists, guest researchers, affiliated graduate students, and interns. Together, they are pioneering an approach to biology that integrates theory, computation, and experimentation from the outset, enabling CCB to tackle fundamental problems in biology and explore new areas of inquiry.

About the Biophysical Modeling Group

Led by Michael Shelley, the Biophysical Modeling Group studies the dynamics of complex and active materials, collective behavior, and self-organization in natural and synthetic systems. The group focuses on complex biophysical systems in cell biology, including the assembly, structure, positioning, and transport of cellular organelles like the spindle, nuclear organization and dynamics, biophysical fluid-structure problems, and related self-organizing active matter systems. The group develops fast, scalable algorithms and coarse-grained models to study these phenomena, which often occur in dense, highly interacting systems inaccessible to standard techniques.

Position Description

Flatiron Research Fellows in CCB are postdoctoral researchers with backgrounds in applied mathematics, statistics, computational biology, biophysics, computer science, engineering, mathematical physics, or related fields. Reporting to the Group Lead, Fellows conduct independent and collaborative research, contribute to scientific software development, and engage in CCB’s scientific community through seminars, workshops, and publications. Fellows have access to powerful computing resources and may be eligible for subsidized housing near CCB.

Responsibilities

• Perform theoretical and computational research
• Develop, implement, and maintain scientific software
• Participate in CCB and Flatiron-wide collaborative activities, including seminars and workshops
• Prepare manuscripts and presentations for scientific conferences
• Assist in student mentorship
• Share expertise and provide training to CCB staff and visitors

Qualifications

Education: Ph.D. in applied mathematics, statistics, computational biology, biophysics, computer science, engineering, mathematical physics, or a related field.

Skills & Requirements:

• Demonstrated abilities in mathematical modeling, analysis, scientific computation, software development, data analysis, and image analysis
• Expertise in computational methods, data analysis, software development, modeling, machine learning, and scientific simulation
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment and collaborate with experimentalists
• Strong oral and written communication skills

Compensation

The full-time annual compensation for this position is USD $95,000. The Simons Foundation also provides an outstanding benefits package.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Past research accomplishments
• Proposed research program
• Synergy with CCB staff and research programs
• Potential to cross boundaries between CCB groups and Flatiron Institute centers

Application Process

To apply, submit the following via the application portal:

• Cover letter summarizing significant graduate school contributions
• Curriculum vitae with publications and software links (if relevant)
• Research statement (up to 3 pages) describing past results, current/future interests, and potential synergies with CCB
• Two letters of recommendation

Applications will be reviewed starting November 2026 on a rolling basis. For full consideration, apply by November 30, 2026. Direct queries to ccbjobs@flatironinstitute.org.

Use of AI in Application Materials

Applicants are expected to submit original work and disclose significant use of AI tools in their application materials. The Flatiron Institute values authenticity and does not use AI for applicant screening.