PRR Project

Summary

Position : Assistant Researcher in Biochemistry and Biophysics and subarea Biomolecular NMR Job Description :We are seeking an experienced, creative and highly motivated scientist to join the Structural Biology group as an Assistant Researcher in the field of Biochemistry and Biophysics specialized in Biomolecular NMR (BioNMR). The ideal candidate should have a strong background in Structural Biology, particular within NMR spectroscopy applied to the determination of biomolecular structure and clarification of molecular interactions and recognition mechanisms with impact in drug design/development and biotechnology.The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in advancing our institution´s research and academic mission by establishing an independent research line that focuses on the application and/or experimental method development in BioNMR integrated with other structural techniques (Xray, EM) aiming at the characterization of structure, dynamics and interactions of biomolecules with relevance for drug design/development, or for biotechnological applications. We seek an outstanding and enthusiastic communicator and collaborator, with highly developed people skills, with a gift for explaining the power of structural biology techniques, particularly BioNMR, to non-experts from bioscience, physics, biomedical or chemical biology backgrounds.Key responsibilities include:Establish and lead an independent research program addressing key questions in the field of biomolecular recognition with special focus on the application and advancement of BioNMR to drug design/development, targeting membrane proteins, and biotechnological applications, to guide the evolution of better enzymes.Contribute to the supervision of second- and third-cycle students, and to do training on advanced courses on BioNMR and integrated Structural Biology and complementary biophysical methods (Xray, EM, SAXS, ITC, MST, CD).Participate in the general academic work at the Research Unit UCIBIO and the Chemistry Department. This includes serving on committees, taking on responsibilities above one’s own research and supervision tasks, participating in the evaluation of research tasks, solving tasks with colleagues, and helping and giving feedback to colleagues.Contribute to the academic community through the publication of research findings in reputable scientific journals.Collaborate with interdisciplinary research teams within the institution and foster external collaborations. Scientific Profile :The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and attributes:1.   Ph.D. in Biochemistry or a related field, with focus on the structural characterization of biomolecules at atomic level using BioNMR;2.   Proven expertise in designing and conducting research projects in BioNMR related to structural and dynamic characterization of proteins, with an emphasis on the study of molecular interactions and molecular recognition mechanisms, as well as in the use of thermodynamics to explain the behaviour of these processes;3.   Research experience in BioNMR applied to the study of membrane proteins will be considered as an advantage;4.   Demonstrable experience in spectrometer setup, data processing and analysis, with some scripting experience desirable (e.g. Python);5.   Experience in both mentoring students and providing advanced training, to undergraduate and graduate students in Biomolecular NMR, Structural Biology, Biochemistry and Biophysics.6.   Demonstrated ability to secure external research funding and an impactful publication record in reputable scientific journals;7.   Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively within interdisciplinary teams; Rationale:The recruitment of an Assistant Researcher in the field of Biochemistry and Biophysics with expertise in Biomolecular NMR applied to the determination of biomolecular structure and clarification of molecular interactions and recognition mechanisms will significantly contribute to ongoing research projects with a major impact in drug discovery and in biotechnology/biocatalysis projects.The appointed Assistant Researcher will join UCIBIO & the Associated Laboratory i4HB and will strengthen the institutional capabilities in these research topics which is in alignment with UCIBIO-i4HB scientific strategy in advancing research and education in health and sustainable bioeconomy. This position reflects our commitment to stay at the forefront of scientific discovery and making meaningful contributions to the field of Structural Biology. The successful applicant will be integrated in a multidisciplinary team that operates the NMR facility, the Xray facility and coordinates the CryoEM@NOVA EU funded project and will provide training for (PhD)-students and Post Docs fostering a multidisciplinary approach to scientific challenges and a culture of innovation and scientific leadership.