Postdoc position in computational structural biology

Faculty: 

Faculty of Science

Department: 

Department of Chemistry

Hours per week: 

36 to 40

Application deadline: 

17 March 2025

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 centres of excellence (including the BioExcel
external link
Centre 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.

In this international collaborative project, you will contribute to the further development of the HADDOCK
external link
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.

This position may be perfect for you if you enjoy solving complex challenges, like working in an international and multidisciplinary environment, and want 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.

We 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 two years;
• a full-time working week and a gross monthly salary between €4,060 and €4,383 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 10 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU)); 
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus; 
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU. 

In addition to the terms of employment
external link
 laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development
external link
, leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities
external link
, 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 to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University
external link
.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University
external link
, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes
external link
. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow
external link
.

Working at the Faculty of Science
external link
means bringing together inspiring people across disciplines and with a variety of perspectives and backgrounds. The Faculty
external link
has six departments: Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Information & Computing Sciences, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Together, we
external link
work on excellent research and inspiring education. We do so, driven by curiosity and supported by outstanding infrastructure. Visit us on LinkedIn
external link
and discover how you can become part of our community.
Your position will be embedded in the Computational Structural Biology group
external link
, part of the NMR Spectroscopy 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 is part of the Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research
external link
and the Department of Chemistry
external link
.
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
external link
(>55000 users from >155 different countries).

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 .

As Utrecht University, we want to be a home
external link
 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 via the "Apply now" button! Please enclose:

• your letter of motivation;
• your curriculum vitae, including a 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.

The application deadline is 18 March 2025.