Flatiron Research Fellow, Developmental Dynamics, Center for Computational Biology

The Center for Computational Biology (CCB) of the Simons Foundation’s Flatiron Institute is actively seeking enthusiastic, full-time post-doctoral Flatiron Research Fellows to join its Developmental Dynamics group. 

The goal at CCB is to advance the understanding of fundamental and historically challenging biological processes by developing theory, innovative modeling tools for large-scale biophysical simulations, and computational frameworks for analyzing increasingly large and complex experimental datasets. Living systems are built hierarchically; as such, CCB’s research activities span several scales of biological organization, bridging the gap between microscopic detail and large-scale behaviors, and providing natural continuity between our groups’ efforts. CCB currently comprises more than 45 research and data scientists at career stages from recent Ph.D. graduates through senior scientists, as well as visiting scientists, guest researchers, graduate students, interns, and administrative support staff. For a full description of CCB research areas and scientific staff, please see our website.

The Developmental Dynamics group combines experiments, theory and computing to elucidate the contributions of encoded genomic instructions and self-organizing physical mechanisms to embryonic development. Its theoretical and computational work is designed to integrate and abstract rapidly accumulating heterogeneous datasets, to propose critical tests of multiscale regulatory mechanisms, and to guide our own genetic and imaging experiments. The group’s research is organized around three main themes: the mechanistic modeling of pattern formation and morphogenesis; the synthesis and decomposition of developmental trajectories; and the modeling of human developmental defects. 

We are looking for candidates interested in data-driven modeling of biological systems, especially in the context of behavioral changes during postembryonic development. We have devised a throughput approach for recording such changes in Drosophila and are evaluating a range of data analysis and modeling for data mining. 

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Flatiron Research Fellows in CCB are individuals at the postdoctoral level with backgrounds in one or more of the following areas: computational biology, computer science, applied mathematics, computational biology, biophysics, computer science, engineering, mathematical physics, or related disciplines.

Reporting to Research Scientists, Data Scientists or the Center Director, as appropriate, Fellows are expected to carry out an active research program that can be independently directed and/or involve substantial collaboration with other members of CCB or the Flatiron Institute. In addition to their research, Fellows help build the rich scientific community at CCB and the Flatiron Institute by participating in seminars, colloquia, and group meetings; developing their software, mathematical and computational expertise through internal education opportunities; and sharing their knowledge through scientific publications, presentations, and/or software releases, with the financial support of the Institute. Fellows have access to the Flatiron Institute’s powerful scientific computing resources. 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Performing theoretical and computational research


• Developing, implementing and maintaining scientific software


• Participating in the organization of CCB and Flatiron-wide collaborative activities including seminars, workshops and meetings


• Participating in the preparation of manuscripts for publication and of presentations at scientific conferences


• Assisting in student mentorship


• Sharing expertise and providing training and guidance to CCB staff and visitors as needed.

FRF positions are generally two-year appointments that can be renewed for a third year, contingent on performance. Fellows will be based, and have a principal office or workspace, at the Simons Foundation’s offices in New York City.  Fellows may also be eligible for subsidized housing within walking distance of the Flatiron Institute.

For more information about careers at the Flatiron Institute, please click here.

Education

• Ph.D. in a relevant field (applied mathematics, statistics, computational biology, biophysics, computer science, engineering, mathematical physics, or related disciplines)

Related Skills & Other Requirements

•  Demonstrated abilities in mathematical modeling, analysis and/or scientific computation, scientific software and algorithm development, data analysis and inference, and image analysis


• Ability to do original and outstanding research in computational biology, and expertise in computational methods, data analysis, software and algorithm development, modeling machine learning, and scientific simulation 


• Ability to work well in an interdisciplinary environment, and to collaborate with experimentalists


• Strong oral and written communication, data documentation, and presentation skills

Compensation and Benefits 

• The full-time annual compensation for this position is $91,000.


• In addition to competitive salaries, the Simons Foundation provides employees with an outstanding benefits package.

To apply, please submit the following via the application portal:

• Cover Letter, which should include a summary of applicants’ most significant contributions in graduate school


• Curriculum Vitae with publications list and, if relevant, links to software 


• Research Statement of no more than three (3) pages describing the applicant’s past important results, current and future research interests which may include both scientific topics and algorithm and software development, and potential synergies with activities at CCB


• Letters of Recommendation, at least two (2). 

Applications for available positions that begin in 2026 will generally be reviewed beginning November 2025, and will be considered on a rolling basis until the positions are filled. For full consideration, candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their complete application by November 15, 2025. 

SELECTION CRITERIA

Applications will be evaluated based on: 

• Past research accomplishments


• The proposed research program


• The synergy of applicant’s expertise and research proposal topic with existing CCBA staff and research programs, and potential to cross boundaries between CCB groups and/or the Flatiron Institute’s other research centers.

Any queries about the application process or about CCB should be directed to ccbjobs@flatironinstitute.org. Queries about CCB may also be directed to scientific staff at CCB. 

Our Commitment to Expanding Pathways to Science & Opportunities for All:

Many of the greatest ideas and discoveries come from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds, and experiences. The Simons Foundation is committed to advancing basic science and mathematics to benefit humankind and expand our collective understanding of our world. As part of our mission, we support partners, programs, and initiatives that seek to broaden the scientific community and open pathways to science and mathematics careers.

The Simons Foundation provides equal opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state, and local law