We are seeking a motivated PhD student with a background in protein engineering, structural biology, chemistry or biophysics to join our efforts in designing and characterizing membrane proteins, nanopores, and ion channels for in vitro bioelectronic applications. The project sits at the interface of protein design and applied technology: the successful candidate will learn and apply state-of-the-art computational design tools to engineer novel membrane proteins, then validate these designs experimentally, with the goal of integrating them into functional devices at the biology–electronics interface.
Research environment
The laboratory of Dr. Anastassia Vorobieva at the VIB–VUB Center for Structural Biology (co-affiliated with the VIB Center for AI & Computational Biology) pioneers methods for the de novo design of transmembrane β-barrel nanopores. The group provides an interdisciplinary environment where computational method development is closely integrated with experimental validation and large dataset collection. The successful candidate will have opportunities to collaborate with researchers in protein engineering, structural biology, nanopore technologies, and bioelectronic systems.
The VIB–VUB Center for Structural Biology offers access to state-of-the-art infrastructure including cryo-electron microscopy, X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, and high-performance computing. The Vorobieva laboratory is an active member of the international RosettaCommons community, which provides opportunities for collaboration, training, workshops, and networking with leading researchers in computational protein design.
Your profile
We are looking for a student with a solid experimental foundation in protein biochemistry, structural biology, or biophysics. The idea candidate has a curiosity for computational approaches and wishes to expand their skill set into protein design and modelling. They should be comfortable working at the interface of disciplines, in a international environment, and be excited by the prospect of seeing their designed proteins function in real-world.
Essential qualifications
- Master's degree in Biochemistry, Protein Engineering, Structural Biology, Biophysics, Biotechnology, or a related field
- Hands-on experience with protein expression, purification, and characterization
- Familiarity with biophysical techniques (e.g. electrophysiology, fluorescence assays, SEC, CD spectroscopy, or similar)
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Motivation to learn computational protein design methods
- Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an international group
Desirable qualifications
Experience in any of the following areas will be considered an advantage:
- Membrane protein biochemistry (expression in cell-free systems, detergents, nanodiscs, or lipid vesicles)
- Electrophysiology or nanopore recording (planar bilayer or solid-state setups)
- Structural characterization (cryo-EM, X-ray crystallography, or NMR)
- Ion channel or pore-forming protein biology
- In vitro reconstitution and lipid bilayer systems
- Biosensor development or biology–electronics integration
- Basic programming skills (Python or similar)
- Familiarity with protein structure visualization tools (PyMOL, ChimeraX, or similar)
- Rosetta or other protein design software
Our offer
- A fully funded PhD position with an attractive salary.
- A dynamic, highly stimulating, and interdisciplinary research environment in a top research institute
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure
- An international, supportive lab culture
How to apply?
Please apply via the online VIB career portal (https://jobs.vib.be/apply/136024) by submitting:
- A cover letter describing your motivation for the position and relevant research experience;
- A curriculum vitae;
- Contact information for two referees.
For more information about the research group and research environment, please visit the laboratory website or contact:
Dr. Anastassia Vorobieva
Email: [email protected]
