Postdoctoral Research Associate - Physics

Position Summary
The GrandPre group in the Department of Physics at WashU in St. Louis invites applications for a theoretical/computational postdoctoral position, with an anticipated start date around September 1, 2025. The postdoctoral position is for 1 year with the option for extension based on performance and funding availability.
The GrandPre group focuses on non-equilibrium statistical physics and soft condensed matter physics, with an emphasis on criticality in biology. Some current research areas in the group include:
• Regulating non-equilibrium biomolecular condensates (cellular compartments of proteins and
other macromolecules that condense via phase separation).
• Gene regulation and homeostasis (e.g., the role of transcriptional condensates in cell-cycle
control).
• Phase transitions in adaptive immune systems (e.g., co-evolution of bacteria and phages, as well
as T and B cells with pathogens).
• Physics-informed machine learning of biophysical systems (e.g., developing optimal coarse-
grained models of proteins within condensates).
These topics share deep conceptual parallels. By advancing concepts in non-equilibrium statistical physics, the group aims to uncover the general principles that biological systems use to exploit phase transitions and critical phenomena. Their research combines analytical modeling, cutting-edge numerical approaches, AI model development, and collaborative experimental efforts.
Postdoctoral associates will join a stimulating research environment in close proximity to several theoretical and experimental biophysics groups in the Physics Department. In addition, there is a “rules of life” research focus that spans physics, chemistry, and biology, fostering further interdisciplinary collaboration. There is also potential to collaborate and interact with researchers in the Biomedical Engineering Department and the Center on Biomolecular Condensates.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

Information on being a postdoc at WashU in St. Louis can be found at https://postdoc.wustl.edu/prospective-postdocs-2/ .

Salary Range:

Base pay is commensurate with experience.

Applicant Special Instructions:

Interested candidates should upload the following: 

• CV
• One-page statement of research interests.
• Contact information for two references via Workday.  

Any questions or inquiries can be sent to Trevor GrandPre (trevorg@wustl.edu ).

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education:

Ph.D., M.D. Or Equivalent Terminal Or Doctoral Degree.

Certifications:

No specific certification is required for this position.

Work Experience:

No specific work experience is required for this position.

Skills:

Not Applicable

Driver's License:

A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

A strong theoretical and or computational background is preferred, but no prior expertise in biology is required. Applicants should hold (or expect to receive by the start date) a Ph.D. in Physics or a closely related field.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

No additional education beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Certifications:

No additional certification beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Work Experience:

No additional work experience beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Skills:

Computational Biology, Computational Physics, Theoretical Biology, Theoretical Physics

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ .

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu  or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees. Benefits eligibility is subject to employment status, full-time equivalent (FTE) workload, and weekly standard hours. Please visit our website at https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/ to view a summary of benefits.

EEO/AA Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement
Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.