IRB Barcelona Hiring PhD IRB Barcelona is seeking a PhD student to join the Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics (LMB), led by ICREA Research Professor Xavier Salvatella, in early 2024.
The LMB mainly aims to understand the mechanisms by which intrinsically disordered proteins perform their functions. Other aims are to rationalise how specific mutations in these domains lead to disease and to identify strategies allowing drug-like small molecules to inhibit therapeutic targets rich in intrinsic disorder, which are common in oncology and neurology.
The laboratory uses a multidisciplinary approach combining biophysical techniques, theory/molecular simulations, and cell/chemical biology to study the conformations, interactions, and phase transitions of intrinsically disordered proteins of biomedical relevance, in collaboration with partners across the globe.
DUTIES:
- Prepare samples of intrinsically disordered proteins in collaboration with the two Research Assistants of the LMB
- Design, carry out, analyse and interpret experiments aimed at investigating the structural, functional, phase separation and aggregation properties of intrinsically disordered proteins of biomedical relevance
- Have weekly meetings with Prof. Salvatella to discuss progress, troubleshoot experiments and agree on next steps.
- Present regularly in the LMB group meetings, in IRB node seminars and, in the third and fourth years, international conferences in biophysics/intrinsically disordered proteins.
- Write drafts for publication of the work in peer-reviewed journals in the field of biophysics such as Nature Communications, Nature Structural & Molecular Biology, etc.
EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS:
Must Have – Required
- Experience: BSc and MSc in chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology or related disciplines and fluency in English.
- Knowledge: A general understanding of biophysics/biophysical chemistry, usually obtained during the BSc studies, should be sufficient but a strong motivation to complement this by studying specialized topics and learning about biophysical methods is a must.
- Skills: Some laboratory experience in the handling of samples of purified proteins and peptides, typically obtained during MSc studies, is necessary but training can be provided for outstanding candidates lacking this.
Desirable
Experience: A research stay in a laboratory in the field of molecular biophysics or structural biology, typically during the MSc, is desirable but not strictly necessary.
Knowledge: Knowledge of methods used to study the conformations of proteins and/or of a programming language such as R and Python is desirable but not strictly necessary.
Skills: Some laboratory experience in cell biology is desirable but not strictly necessary.
WORKING CONDITIONS & ENTITLEMENTS:
Working conditions: The PhD fellowship is awarded for a period of 4 years. The student wil be employed in compliance with Spanish legislation and regulations under a full-time contract. Employees receive the benefits of the Spanish Social Security system covering sickness, maternity/paternity leaves and injuries at work.
Training and Career: Training is a way of life at IRB Barcelona. PhD students have access to a wide variety of scientific activities and services and an extensive network of academic and industrial contacts, which serve to strengthen the perspectives of their research career. Furthermore, they can benefit from our Language Training Programme. They receive close mentoring and work on a research project that is chosen in mutual agreement with their group leader.
International environment: Nearly 100 students (almost half non-Spanish nationals) are currently working toward their PhD theses at IRB Barcelona.
HOW TO APPLY & SELECTION PROCESS:
Deadline for applications: 31/08/2023 (If no suitable candidate is found, the deadline will be extended)
Number of positions available: 1
Selection process:
Pre-selection: Will be based on CV, motivation letter & experience
Interviews: Short-listed candidates will be interviewed.
Job offer: Will be sent to the successful candidate after the interview.
Note: The strengths and weaknesses of the applications will be provided upon request.
IRB Barcelona Hiring PhD, IRB Barcelona Hiring PhD
