PRR Project

Summary

Auxiliary Researcher position aligned with the thematic lines MedLife and MolCat and, in particular omics-supported medicinal and biological chemistry and computational biochemistry.??????? Rationale for the position:The rationale for this profile roots in specific expertise and skills required to advance the scientific strategy of CQE. The candidate is expected to play a crucial role in the integration of two thematic lines, MEDLife – Medicinal and Biological Chemistry for Health, and MolCat – Molecular and Catalyst Design. By focusing on health-promoting strategies through advanced mass spectrometry and computational biochemistry, and by exploring mechanisms of drug resistance and of microbial resistance, and by elucidating links between infections and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), the researcher will directly support CQE’s commitment to addressing health challenges. The involvement in medicinal chemistry, molecular design, and the development of health-focused drugs aligns with MolCat´s focus on precision molecular design and the creation of active molecules.This research area is embedded in SDG 3, ´Good Health and Well-being,´ focusing on health-promoting strategies. It significantly contributes to SDG9, ´Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure,´ through novel drug development, advanced biological chemistry, and multi-omics capabilities. The emphasis on personalized medical approaches also addresses health inequalities, contributing to SDG10 ´Reduced Inequalities´ and SDG16 ´Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.CQE´s strategy relies strongly in studying drug resistance mechanisms using advanced biochemical and multi-omics tools, addressing microbial resistance, cancer mechanisms, and contributing to the development of novel drug scaffolds. This aims to understand links between infection and NCDs, employing systems biology for personalized medical approaches. This strategy stems from the ESFRI Roadmap and is primarily aligned with the EU Roadmap on Non-Communicable Diseases, with translation into the Health First Europe and the Small Countries Initiative Roadmaps, significantly contributing to the One Health approach. Incorporated in the ISIDORe network, and within the scope of ERINHA, EATRIS and MIRRI research infrastructures, this research area also advances research on epidemic-prone diseases. Tasks to be performed:This position is geared towards the advancement of health-promoting strategies through an integrative medicinal and biological chemistry, focused on biological mass spectrometry, and molecular design, towards the discovery of novel drug candidates, bringing together the MedLife and MolCat thematic line.Tasks:Plan, coordinate, develop, and publish research work, in the research areas defined above, centered on biological mass spectrometry, computational biochemistry (such as molecular dynamics), medicinal chemistry (particularly drug design), and multi-omics approaches within a systems biology paradigm, integrating mass-spectrometry derived proteomics and metabolomics with inferred links to the genome and transcriptome, to gain a comprehensive understanding of biological systems.Design and submit project proposals for funding at national/international levels.Involve students in research and supervise master’s dissertations and doctoral thesis.Establish contacts with industry and healthcare stakeholders, for joint projects and knowledge transfer.Engage in scientific dissemination activities for peers, students, and general public.Create, expand and maintain mass spectrometry laboratory infrastructures for research. Scientific profile required:The hired researcher should have experience in:mass spectrometry, both at the structural analysis level, particularly at drug and drug metabolite analysis, and at the omics level, centered on both proteomics and metabolomics data acquisition and bioinformatics-supported data analysis and integration.computational biochemistry, geared towards protein-drug interactions.Candidates must demonstrate their ability for hands-on use of the installed capacities at CQE, bringing together all valences to contribute to the research goals. In parallel, candidates must demonstrate their collaboration track and interdisciplinary skills, bridging the gap between medicinal chemistry, biological mass spectrometry, and computational approaches, and establishing bridges with chemistry-oriented researchers at CQE, partner institutions, and with the clinical community. The researcher is also expected to identify and apply to infrastructure funding calls to leverage and expand CQE’s installed capacity.