"Alerted.org

Position Title:Postdoc Research Associate

Appointment Type:Post Doc/Trainee

Job Description:Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

The postdoc will develop a generalizable QM/MM modeling framework for metalloenzymes containing bound metal cofactors, with a focus on the Ni(I)–F430 center of methyl-coenzyme M reductase (MCR). Using density functional theory (DFT), force-field parameterization, and hybrid QM/MM simulations, the postdoc will characterize bonding, non-bonding, and electronic interactions of metal centers under inhibitory conditions. This framework will be applied to predict how methane-blocking agents disrupt MCR catalysis in bovine rumen methanogenesis. The researcher will generate validated computational models that inform inhibitor design, ensuring mechanistic accuracy and transferability to other biologically relevant metalloenzymes.

Required Minimum Qualifications: PhD or Doctoral Degree

Preferred Qualifications:

+ Training in quantitative sciences (chemistry, physics, engineering)

+ Knowledge of scientific programming languages

+ Well-versed in numerical and analytical techniques

+ PhD in STEM field

Department Unit/Websites: https://nanovaccine.iastate.edu/

https://chowdhurylab.github.io/

Proposed Start Date:October 13, 2025

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:October 12, 2026

Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period

Time Type:Full time

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae2) Letter of Application/Cover LetterIf you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.Why Choose ISU?Iowa State Postdocs enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)• Flexible Spending Accounts• Various voluntary benefits and discounts• Employee Assistance Program• Wellbeing Program

Original Posting Date: October 6, 2025

Posting Close Date:October 13, 2025

Job Requisition Number:R17896

By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University (http://www.iastate.edu/) attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.

Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community (https://www.iastate.edu/principles-community) . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.

All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email [email protected].

If you have questions about the application process please email [email protected] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485. Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email [email protected] or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.