Postdoctoral Researcher in AI-Driven Discovery for Materials and Molecules

The Mingjie Liu Research Group in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Florida (UF), Gainesville, FL invites applications for one Postdoctoral Associate in AI-Driven Discovery for Materials and Molecules. The successful candidates will work under the supervision of Prof. Mingjie Liu, focusing on the development and implementation in advanced machine learning and deep learning models to predict new materials and molecule properties. This one-year appointment is renewable based on performance and funding availability. Candidate will conduct high-throughput computational simulations using MLIP, DFT, TD-DFT, QM/MM, kinetic Monte Carlo, and MD to study material and molecular properties. Utilize generative models for the design and discovery of novel compounds. Conduct high-throughput computational simulations for materials science and computational chemistry. Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to design experiments and analyze data. Publish scientific papers and present findings at international conferences.

UF is the state’s oldest, largest, and most comprehensive land grant university with an enrollment of over 50,000 students and was ranked 6^th in the country among public universities (US News and World Report 2023 rankings), and 1^st among public institutions in the Wall Street Journal 2023 survey. UF is located in Gainesville, a city of approximately 150,000 residents in North-Central Florida, 50 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, and 67 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, and within a 2-hour drive to large metropolitan areas (Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville). The beautiful climate and extensive nearby parks and recreational areas afford year-round outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and nature photography. UF’s large college sports programs, museums, and performing arts center support a range of activities and cultural events for residents to enjoy. Alachua County schools are highly rated and offer a variety of programs including magnet schools and an international baccalaureate program. Learn more about what Gainesville has to offer at Visit Gainesville.

The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, and the compensation includes a full benefits package.

PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Computational Biology, Computer Science, or a related field.

Strong background in machine learning, deep learning, and generative models applied to scientific problems.

Experience in computational chemistry, materials science, computational electrochemistry, or polymer science.

Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and familiarity with ML frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch).

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

For full consideration, applications must be submitted online. Click on Apply Now at the top of this posting.

A complete application includes:

1. Your CV
2. A cover letter detailing your relevant experience and career objectives. 
3. The names and email addresses of two references.  An email will be sent to your references, requesting them to upload their confidential letter to the submission packet.

Applications will be reviewed immediately, and the position will remain open until filled. Only complete applications will be reviewed at this time. Applications received after this date may be considered at the discretion of the committee and/or hiring authority. For questions, please contact Professor Mingjie Lie n(mliu@chem.ufl.edu). 

All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a review of criminal records, reference checks, and verification of education.

The selected candidate will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered “official” if a designation of “Issued to Student” is visible. Degrees earned from an educational institution outside of the United States require evaluation by a professional credentialing service provider approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), which can be found at http://www.naces.org/.

The Department of Chemistry is committed to promoting an environment that welcomes all abilities, classes, ethnicities/races, gender identities and expressions. We particularly welcome applicants who can contribute to such an environment through their scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service.