Postdoc in Computational Structural Biology - Evolutionary-scale interpretation of protein functions in human gut microbiome (80-100%)

Postdoc in Computational Structural Biology - Evolutionary-scale interpretation of protein functions in human gut microbiome (80-100%)

Start date is by mutual arrangement, with the possibility to start immediately

How does life emerge from molecules and cells? This is the central question that motivates us. With curiosity and passion, we investigate the entire spectrum ranging from the atom to the organism. The Biozentrum of the University of Basel is one of the world’s leading life sciences institutes. With 32 groups and 500 employees, we are a dynamic and international research community that has spawned many fundamental discoveries in biology and medicine as well as several Nobel Laureates. Become part of our community!

In Torsten Schwede’s group, we use computational methods to model protein structures, analyse protein-ligand interactions, explore the effects of mutations on protein structure and function, and classify protein families on a large-scale. We also explore artificial intelligence to characterise the dark proteome and pioneer automated methods for uncovering unknown protein functions.

Within the SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, we develop SWISS-MODEL ( https://swissmodel.expasy.org') ), a widely used web-based platform for generating high-accuracy 3D models of protein structures and complexes for application in life sciences. We also develop the Protein Universe Atlas, a web resource designed to streamline the navigation through the extensive wealth of publicly available protein sequence and structure information.

Your position

The Schwede group is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join the team for an exciting project funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF). This project aims to construct an integrative view of putative molecular functions and biological roles of proteins from the human gut microbiome, https://data.snf.ch/grants/­grant/220141') .

The research will involve an in-depth study of the evolutionary origins and biochemical pathways that underpin the unique role of these proteins in the human gut, using protein evolution and structural bioinformatics approaches. The generated hypotheses will guide experimental validation efforts.

The research is integral to the Protein Universe Atlas project, involving active collaboration with computational and experimental groups, primarily with Dr. Tomasz Kosciólek at Sano Center for Computational Medicine in Kraków, Poland.

Your profile

• PhD in structural bioinformatics, computational chemistry, computational biology, or related disciplines with a strong publication record
• You can strengthen our team in at least one of the following areas: protein bioinformatics, protein evolution, metagenomics, data science
• Experience and interest in modern data analytics techniques and AI / ML would be highly appreciated
• Good communication skills in English
• Self-motivation, drive and ability to define new research directions

We offer you

The position is funded for 3 years. Our team and the interactive, highly innovative nature of the Biozentrum and of Life Science in Basel provide a stimulating environment that offers all the possibilities to be creative and highly productive. Basel is a city that provides a high standard of living and offers all the advantages of an international community.

Application / Contact

Please apply online ( https://biped2.biozentrum.unibas.ch/apply/­postdoc_schwedelab') ) and provide a motivation statement that describes how your background and scientific interests match the criteria for this position, CV, and contact information for two references.
Review of applications will begin immediately and proceed until the position has been filled. Early application is strongly encouraged.
For any informal enquiries, please contact Dr. Joana Pereira, e-mail: joana.pereira@unibas.ch

www.unibas.ch')

In your application, please refer to myScience.ch and referenceJobID64873.