Research Associate

Job Posting Title:

Research Associate

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Hiring Department:

Department of Chemistry

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

Exempt

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Earliest Start Date:

Jan 05, 2026

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue

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Location:

UT MAIN CAMPUS

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Job Details:

Purpose

The Thirumalai Lab seeks a Research Associate to drive innovative computational research on biomolecular condensates through advanced modeling, high-performance simulations, and close collaboration with experimental teams to deliver impactful discoveries and publications.

Responsibilities

• Drive innovative research on biomolecular condensates and develop advanced models for phase separation using molecular dynamics.

• Optimize performance by running large-scale and GPU-accelerated simulations on high-performance computing clusters.

• Design and refine models to explore electrostatic interactions, charge patterning, and sequence effects on condensate properties.

• Collaborate with experimental teams to validate predictions, analyze data, and publish impactful findings in leading journals.

• Mentor students, contribute to grant proposals, resolve technical challenges, and support overall lab operations.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in chemistry, biochemistry, or a closely related field.

• Experience in computations that have developed the theory and computational strategy to extend the current studies to next steps.

• Experience in RNA folding problems.

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Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in computational biologist.

• Theoretical understanding, the ability to learn new methods and invent them when needed.

Salary Range

$58,744 + depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• Typical office environment.

• Computer-based work: Research is conducted entirely on computers using simulation software and modeling tools.

• Extended screen time: Significant time spent analyzing date, coding, and running simulations.

Required Materials

• Resume/CV

• 3 letters of reference

• Letter of interest

Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded.  Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.

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Employment Eligibility:

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

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Retirement Plan Eligibility:

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

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Background Checks:

A criminal history background check will be required for fi