Research Associate in Interactive Virtual Reality for Protein Design

University of Bristol Law School; Bristol; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking a postdoctoral researcher in computational chemistry to work on protein dynamics and design within a cutting-edge project. This role requires expertise in molecular simulation, VR applications, and collaboration with experimental teams. The position offers a salary range of £38,249 - £44,128 and opportunities for career development in a vibrant academic environment.

Qualifications

• Highly motivated computational scientist with expertise in protein design and molecular simulation.
• Experience with interactive virtual reality methods and applications in protein dynamics.
• Ability to collaborate closely with experimental biochemists and structural biologists.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply interactive VR methods to design and engineer proteins.
• Utilize AI and machine learning for computational methods and protein modeling.
• Simulate protein dynamics and predict conformational changes.

Skills

Computational chemistry

Molecular simulation

Protein design

Virtual reality (VR)

Software development

Data analysis

AI and machine learning

Education

PhD in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field

Tools

High-performance computing

Job description

The role

A postdoctoral research position is available in the group of Prof. Adrian Mulholland as part of the European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Project PREDACTED (Predictive computational models for Enzyme Dynamics, Antimicrobial resistance, Catalysis and Thermoadaptation for Evolution and Design, https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101021207). This project involves the application of computational chemistry and molecular simulation methods to design, model, and investigate protein dynamics and activity. The project uses molecular simulations to study protein structure, dynamics, interactions, and mechanisms (including allosteric inhibition and regulation). It also employs interactive virtual reality methods for molecular dynamics simulations, molecular modeling, and protein design and engineering. The aim is to address challenges in designing and engineering proteins for applications in biocatalysis, sensing, diagnostics, clean energy, biomolecular electronics, and understanding drug resistance. The position is based at the Centre for Computational Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, which is ranked first in the UK in the latest Research Excellence Framework (Times Higher Education REF2021).

What will you be doing?

You will develop and apply interactive virtual reality methods to design and engineer proteins, model protein structure, dynamics, and interactions. This includes developing and testing VR methods and interfaces for computational protein design and structure prediction tools, applying interactive molecular dynamics simulations in VR, and utilizing AI and machine learning for design. You will develop computational methods, build protein models, and develop tools for structure prediction. Your work will involve simulating protein complexes, testing effects of physical conditions, modeling protein dynamics, predicting conformational changes and binding, and analyzing effects of mutations. You will contribute to protein and inhibitor design and interpret experimental data, working closely with experimental biochemists and structural biologists.

You should apply if

You are a highly motivated computational scientist seeking to advance your research career by joining a leading group, developing skills in protein design, VR, software development, biomolecular simulation, and data analysis, with opportunities for collaboration with experimental work. This position is suitable for a researcher who has recently completed or is close to completing a PhD in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field, with expertise in protein design, molecular simulation, and VR. The role offers valuable experience in software development, interactive VR, protein design, molecular simulation, data analysis, and advanced computing, including high-performance computing and machine learning.

Additional information

Contract type: Open-ended with fixed term until 30/09/2026

Work pattern: Full time / 35 hours per week

Grade: I/Pathway 2

Salary: £38,249 - £44,128 per annum

School/Unit: School of Chemistry

Application deadline: 23:59 UK time on 31/07/2025

For informal queries, contact Prof. Adrian Mulholland at [e-mail]

Our strategy and mission

We have launched a strategy for 2030, aligning our mission, vision, and values. The University of Bristol aims to foster an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential. We are committed to attracting, developing, and retaining individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, especially people of colour, LGBT+ individuals, and disabled people, as diversity and ideas are key to our excellence as a global civic institution.