Research Assistant – GZhou Lab

The Wistar Institute has an opening for a highly motivated Research Assistant to work in the laboratory of Dr. Guangfeng Zhou as part of the Center for Advanced Therapeutics (CAT) at The Wistar Institute.

The GZhou lab develops physics-based and AI-based computational methods to accelerate therapeutic discovery. His current program focuses on developing AI-based and physics-based computational approaches for drug discovery, including models that integrate physical and chemical principles, docking and binding-affinity prediction methods, and AI-accelerated virtual-screening platforms to identify and prioritize promising therapeutic leads.

The successful candidate will contribute to AI-accelerated virtual screening and computational drug discovery projects in the lab. Responsibilities may include:

• Prepare and curate protein and small-molecule datasets.
• Perform molecular modeling and AI-accelerated virtual screening.
• Analyze computational results and prioritize compounds for experimental testing.
• Collaborate with computational and experimental researchers.
• Support the development and application of computational drug-discovery workflows.

A bachelor’s degree in a science-related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience, is required. Previous experience in computational chemistry, structural biology, bioinformatics, molecular modeling, or programming is desirable but not required. Experience with Python, Linux, high-performance computing (HPC) environments, molecular visualization, or data analysis would be advantageous.

Excellent communication and organizational skills are essential. Candidates will receive personalized training as required. Competitive applicants will have strong motivation to learn, attention to detail, and enthusiasm for working in a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment.

The Wistar Institute is a world leader in early-stage discovery science in the areas of cancer, immunology, and infectious disease. Wistar is committed to accelerating research advances from bench to bedside through brilliant science and distinctive approaches to collaboration among scientific investigators and academic and industry partners. Wistar’s dynamic environment supports the advancement of discoveries that will change the future of human health.

The Wistar Institute is located in the University City area of Philadelphia, in the heart of the University of Pennsylvania Campus. Wistar provides resources to its faculty and staff that enable them to conduct cutting edge collaborative research and provides for outstanding intellectual environments and state-of-the-art facilities.

We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits package.

For more information about The Wistar Institute visit our website at www.wistar.org. 

It is the policy of the Institute to provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, citizenship, ethnicity, color, creed, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, veteran status, mental or physical disability (including HIV and AIDS), pregnancy, caregiver status, domestic or sexual violence victim status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or on the basis of genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law, with respect to all terms and conditions of employment.