AI‑Driven GPRC5B Drug Discovery PhD for Leukodystrophies

SIGRA; Amsterdam; On-site; EUR 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

SIGRA is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join the POLARIS doctoral network for discovery, optimisation and functional characterisation of GPRC5B modulators. The role combines AI-driven virtual screening, molecular modelling and experimental validation across two renowned Spanish institutes in Barcelona.

You will engage in SAR studies, study receptor variants and participate in secondments at ENAMINE and Istituto Superiore di Sanità, contributing to translational neuroscience within

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field.
• Strong interest in interdisciplinary drug discovery and translational neuroscience.
• Experience with programming and data analysis (Python) is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with molecular modelling, docking workflows, ML or HPC is advantageous.
• Candidates with primarily computational background and motivation to develop experimental skills are encouraged to apply.
• Experience with cell‑based assays or receptor activity is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Identify and optimise novel GPRC5B modulators using AI-based virtual screening and structural modelling.
• Prioritise compounds by integrating predicted binding modes and compound properties.
• Investigate disease-associated GPRC5B variants and their effects on receptor function.
• Validate candidates with cell-based pharmacological and biochemical assays.
• Perform SAR studies to guide optimisation of chemical series.
• Study functional effects of patient-derived variants on receptor expression and signalling.
• Collaborate across computational scientists, pharmacologists, medicinal chemists and cell biologists.

Skills

Python programming

GPCR biology

Molecular modelling

Data analysis

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

Master's degree

Tools

Python

Molecular modelling software

High-performance computing

Job description

SIGRA is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join the POLARIS doctoral network for discovery, optimisation and functional characterisation of GPRC5B modulators. The role combines AI-driven virtual screening, molecular modelling and experimental validation across two renowned Spanish institutes in Barcelona.

You will engage in SAR studies, study receptor variants and participate in secondments at ENAMINE and Istituto Superiore di Sanità, contributing to translational neuroscience within