PRR Project

Summary

Job Description:We seek a highly motivated and experienced Assistant Researcher with a strong background in computational structural biology and advanced molecular modelling techniques, with a specific focus on the development and application of computational methods to study and block the entry mechanisms of viral pathogens, such as influenza, zika and SARS-CoV-2. The work involves the coordination of projects focused on filling important knowledge gaps on the molecular details of viral entry mechanisms and the development and application of computational tools to design/discover antivirals, including biopharmaceuticals and small molecules, contributing to pandemic preparedness.Main tasks and responsibilities: a) development and implementation of research projects focused on the molecular characterization of viral fusion proteins and their mechanisms of action, as well as on the design/discovery of antiviral molecules (biopharmaceuticals and small molecules); b) managing of research teams and computational resources; d) interfacing with experimental teams in the area; d) supervising Post-doctoral fellows and PhD, Master and Undergraduate students; e) securing competitive research funding; f) engagement in science outreach and technology transfer activities; e) teaching in Master and PhD programs. Scientific Profile Required:1) PhD in Biochemistry with a specialization in Computational Biology or a related field; 2) Strong expertise, demonstrated in scientific publications, in the application and development of computational structural biology methods to the study of viral fusion proteins, as well as interfacing with experimentalists; 3) Track record of publications in the field of computational structural biology, and advanced molecular modelling techniques, with a specific focus on the development and application of computational methods to study and block the entry mechanisms of viral pathogens, including papers as corresponding author; 4) Ability to secure national and international funding demonstrated by granted projects in the field of the profile; 5) Coordination or co-coordination of international research projects in the field of the profile; 6) Demonstrated experience in the supervision of Post-doctoral fellows and PhD and Master students; 7) Demonstrated ability in establishing national and international collaborations; 8) Solid teaching experience, including the coordination of curricular units in Master programs; 9) Solid experience in computational structural biology methods, including molecular dynamics simulations, metadynamics simulations, molecular docking, protein design, protein structure prediction and development of artificial intelligence-based methods; 10) Development and engagement in science outreach activities; 11) Engagement in technology transfer activities demonstrated by granted patents. 12) Track record of oral communications in scientific meetings, including invited talks. Rationale for Hiring:The hiring of an Assistant Researcher with a specialized focus on the development and application of computational methods to study entry mechanisms of viral pathogens and on the design/discovery of antiviral molecules is crucial to enhance the institutional competitiveness in areas of extreme scientific and societal relevance. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the devastating consequences of unpreparedness for such events, not only on public health but also on social and economic levels. Solutions to these problems will most likely come from multidisciplinary research endeavors, which should include experts in computational structural biology that can interface with experimental work. The tremendous recent advances in computational structural biology leave no doubt that it will have a critical impact in areas such as the fight against viral pandemics. Thus, it is of utmost importance for an institution with the mission ITQB NOVA to hire an expert in this field. This researcher will not only boost scientific research in this field, but also be crucial to train students with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of this field. Additionally, a researcher with a strong expertise in computational structural biology, a track record of publications and proven ability to attract international funding and collaborations, is expected to have a key role in increasing the internationalization and visibility of ITQB NOVA and driving collaborations within and outside the institution. As a result, the hiring of such a fellow will allow the institution to make decisive contributions to the field of pandemic preparedness, which is a major health subject nowadays.