Research Fellow in Computational Structural Biology

1000scholars; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Birmingham invites applications for a Research Fellow in Computational Structural Biology in the group of Prof. Teresa Carlomagno.

The post focuses on applying advanced molecular dynamics to membrane proteins, protein-ligand complexes, and macromolecular assemblies, integrating computational models with experimental data. The successful candidate will develop new methods, supervise PhD researchers, and contribute to funding proposals, seminars, and publications, while collaborating

Qualifications

• PhD (or near completion) in Computational Structural Biology, Biophysics, Structural Biology, Computational Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physics, or a related field.
• Proficiency in computational studies of biomolecular systems.
• Experience with membrane proteins and/or protein-ligand complexes; multiscale modelling desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop research objectives and proposals in Computational Structural Biology.
• Generate, analyse, and interpret computational data alongside structural biology data.
• Apply advanced molecular dynamics techniques to investigate membranes, protein-ligand complexes, assemblies.
• Integrate computational models with experimental data.
• Disseminate findings through seminars, conferences, publications.
• Supervise students and PhD researchers; contribute to funding applications.

Skills

Molecular dynamics

Enhanced-sampling methods

Data analysis

Multiscale modelling

Collaborative work

Education

PhD in Computational Structural Biology or related field

Tools

Molecular Dynamics Software

Metadynamics

Accelerated MD

Job description

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049, with potential progression once in post to £48,822

Applications are welcomed from candidates in Europe and other overseas countries. Financial support for visa application fees is available, subject to eligibility and organisational policy.

A Research Fellow position is available in Computational Structural Biology within the group of Prof. Teresa Carlomagno. The group investigates the structural and functional mechanisms of proteins, intrinsically disordered proteins, membrane proteins, nucleic acids, and their complexes using an integrative structural biology approach. Combining experimental and computational methods, the laboratory aims to understand biomolecular structure, dynamics, and function at atomic resolution.

The post holder will apply advanced computational approaches to study membrane proteins, protein-ligand complexes, and biologically relevant macromolecular assemblies, focusing on molecular recognition, conformational dynamics, allosteric regulation, and ligand binding. Candidates should have strong expertise in molecular dynamics simulations and enhanced-sampling methodologies such as metadynamics, accelerated molecular dynamics, or related approaches, together with advanced simulation data analysis including dimensionality reduction, conformational landscape analysis, and identification of metastable states. Experience in multiscale modelling is highly desirable.

The successful candidate will integrate computational approaches with experimental data from X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, cryo-electron microscopy, mass spectrometry, and biophysical measurements, while developing novel computational methods and modelling strategies.

Main Duties

• Develop research objectives and proposals in Computational Structural Biology.
• Generate, analyse, and interpret computational data alongside structural biology, biochemical, and biophysical data.
• Apply advanced molecular dynamics techniques to investigate membrane proteins, protein-ligand complexes, and macromolecular assemblies.
• Integrate computational models with experimental structural and biochemical data.
• Collect research data through experimentation and literature reviews.
• Develop new computational approaches, workflows, methodologies, models, and techniques.
• Disseminate findings through seminars, conferences, posters, publications, and manuscript preparation.
• Supervise students and provide guidance to PhD researchers.
• Contribute to research funding applications.

Person Specification

• PhD (or near completion) in Computational Structural Biology, Biophysics, Structural Biology, Computational Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physics, or a related field.
• Proficiency in computational studies of biomolecular systems.
• Expertise in the structural and functional investigation of membrane proteins and/or protein-ligand complexes.
• Experience with molecular modelling, structural analysis, computational biophysics, or related computational methodologies.
• Experience in integrating computational approaches with experimental structural biology data.
• Practical biochemical laboratory experience and/or nucleic acid handling is desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and apply new computational methods and research approaches.
• Strong quantitative, analytical, problem-solving, written, and oral communication skills.
• Experience publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
• Ability to manage resources effectively, work independently, and collaborate within multidisciplinary international teams.
• Understanding of research management, administration, planning, and organisation.
• Commitment to the Equality Act 2010 principles and willingness to work in a competitive international research environment.

Informal enquiries to Teresa Carlomagno, email: [e-mail]

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment

We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working