Postdoc (Assistant Professor) - Laboratory of Biological Systems Modelling

Postdoc (Assistant Professor) - Laboratory of Biological Systems Modelling

University of Warsaw - Centre of New Technologies

Warsaw, Poland

PLN 10 500 per month gross

Project description:

The aim of the grant is to determine the conditions under which artificial coil-coiled CCPO structures form in proteins. These conditions will be determined using AI methods in conjunction with a classical approach based on the principles of crystallography. The predicted structures will be experimentally investigated until the crystallization conditions are established and the 3D structures are determined. The developed models will be used to create a K-CCPO database.

Key responsibilities include:

• Development of AI models for the design of coiled-coil proteins with non-trivial topology;
• Analysis and validation of predicted models with respect to folding behavior and structural stability;
• Development of expression and purification methods for selected de novo designed proteins;
• Preparation of samples for X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM studies; participation in structure determination and analysis;
• Conducting experiments aimed at determining the stability, free-energy landscape, and other physicochemical properties of newly designed proteins;
• Preparation of scientific reports, publications, and conference presentations; presentation of research results at national and international conferences.

Profile of candidates/requirements:

The competition is open to persons who meet the conditions specified in:

• Article 113 of the Act of 20 July 2018 Law on higher education and science (Journal of Laws of 2024, item 1571 with amendments) and the Statutes of the University of Warsaw;
• Article 119 of the Statutes of the University of Warsaw;
• Regulations on the allocation of resources for the implementation of tasks financed by the National Centre of Science for OPUS 28 grant;

The candidate should hold a PhD degree in chemistry, biophysics, biotechnology or related discipline will be an asset.

Excellent knowledge of numerical methods for simulating protein folding and structural analysis. Experience in analysing proteins with non-trivial topology. Very good experience in conducting computer simulations, knowledge of Python, scientific computing libraries, and Linux environment.

Candidates should have some background in protein biochemistry or biophysics or molecular microbiology (should have experience with a protein expression from an E. coli bacterium, chromatographic methods of their purification, kinetics study). Experience in protein expression/purification and genetic modification. Knowledge of crystallographic methods and cryo-EM technique will be an advantage.

Due to the international character of the research team, fluent command of spoken and written English is essential.

The candidate should hold a PhD degree for no longer than 12 years before the date of signing an employment agreement in the project.

The PhD degree should be obtained in a country of the EU, EFTA, OECD or nostrified on the date of employment at the latest.

During the interview, the candidate presents a plan for further research activities and international experience.

Candidate evaluation criteria:

• the candidate’s research achievements, including publications in prestigious academic press/journals;
• research achievements, scholarships, awards and research;
• experience gained in Poland or abroad, research workshops and training courses, participation in research projects;
• the candidate’s competences to carry out specific tasks in the research project;
• soft skills (communication skills, ability to work in a team, resistance to stress).