Introduction
We are inviting applications for two postdoctoral researcher positions with interest and expertise in computational structural biology and research software development. These positions are part of GANANA, a collaborative European/Indian project aimed at establishing a long-term partnership collaboration between European HPC centers of excellence (including the BioExcel Center of Excellence for Computational Biomolecular Research to which the Bonvin group belongs) and Indian institutions.
Within GANANA our UU group is leading the life sciences activities that are focused on two European software: Gromacs for molecular dynamics (KTH Stockholm) and HADDOCK, our integrative modelling software developed in Utrecht.
Your job
In this international collaborative project, you contribute to the further development of the HADDOCK integrative modelling platform, taking ownership in one or more of the following GANANA areas:
- Development of a framework for Integrative Modelling of Biomolecular Complexes.
- Extension of HADDOCK’s capabilities for the modelling of modified nucleic acids.
- Development of Improved AI models for protein-protein interactions.
- Creation of a framework for AI-driven Immunogenic Peptide Prediction.
- Deployment and optimisation of HADDOCK on Indian HPC Cloud resources.
You will actively engage with both the European and Indian research teams, with opportunities for collaborative visits to the partner labs. This role offers unique opportunities to develop not only your research and software skills, but also your collaboration, management and leadership skills as Utrecht leads the life sciences efforts within GANANA.
Your qualities
This position is perfect for someone who enjoys solving complex challenges, likes working in an international and multidisciplinary environment, and wants to make an impact in computational structural biology. Ideally, you meet several or all of the following criteria:
- a PhD in chemistry, physics, biology, computational sciences or related fields;
- a track record in computational structural biology;
- demonstrable programming and software development experience (please provide a link to your online portfolio or code samples);
- experience with Linux and high-throughput and high performance computing;
- strong communication skills in English, both oral and written;
- the ability to operate in an international setting.
Our offer
- a chance to be part of a team of excellent researchers in the field of computational structural biology;
- an exciting role within a large European/Indian collaboration;
- A position for 2 years;
- A gross monthly salary ranging from €4.060 to €4.383 in scale 10;
- 8% holiday bonus and 8.3% end-of-year bonus;
- A pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible terms of employment based on the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities.
In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number schemes and facilities of its own for employees. These include agreements on facilitating professional development, leave and sports and cultural activities, as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue investing in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.
About us
A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.
Working at the Faculty of Science means bringing together inspiring people across disciplines and with a variety of perspectives and backgrounds. The Faculty has six departments: Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Information & Computing Sciences, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Together, we work on excellent research and inspiring education. We do so, driven by curiosity and supported by outstanding infrastructure. Visit us on LinkedIn and discover how you can become part of our community.
Your position will be embedded in the Computational Structural Biology group, part of the NMR section at Utrecht University that aims at gaining atomic-level insight into complex (bio)molecular systems in vitro, in situ and in silico. The group belongs to the Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and the Chemistry Department.
The team’s research focuses on the development of reliable bioinformatics and computational approaches to predict, model and dissect biomolecular interactions at atomic level. It has a long history of software and web services developments, with HADDOCK as flagship software and web portal that serves a large international community of users (>55000 users from >155 different countries).
More information
For more information, please contact Prof. Alexandre Bonvin at a.m.j.j.bonvin@uu.nl
Do you have a question about the application procedure? Please send an email to science.recruitment@uu.nl
Apply now
As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.
If you are enthusiastic about this position, just “apply here”! Please enclose:
- your letter of motivation;
- your Curriculum vitae, including clear demonstration of your programming and computing skills
- the names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of at least two references;
If this specific opportunity isn’t for you, but you know someone else who may be interested, please forward this vacancy to them.
Some connections are fundamental – Be one of them