DESCRIPTION

Two Post-Doctoral Positions in Computational Biology and Molecular Modeling

Two Post-doctoral positions are available at the Laboratory of Analysis and Architecture of Systems (LAAS) of Toulouse, France.

The positions are within the frame of a multidisciplinary project involving four Toulouse-based partners who will share their expertise in Computer Science, Physics and Material Sciences (LAAS-CNRS), Structural Biology (INSERM and IPBS) and Biochemistry (LBB-CNRS-INSA), aiming at developing and validating new, fast and accurate computational methods for the analysis of protein interactions involving large amplitude molecular motions and structural rearrangements of proteins. The development of such new techniques taking into account the macromolecular flexibility is critical for a better structural analysis of proteins aiming to understand their functions.

POSITION ONE:

RESPONSIBILITIES

The first postdoctoral fellow will be responsible for the development of the new computational methods for studying molecular motions and interactions, based on an original molecular modelling strategy recently investigated at LAAS. This strategy (see Bioinformatics, 2005, 21:116-125) relies on the combined use of efficient motion planning techniques issued from robotics research with energy-based models more classically used in molecular simulations. The interest of such combined strategy is to handle the complexity of macromolecular flexibility by exploiting the efficacy of a geometric conformational search as a filtering stage before subsequent energy refinements. The new computational methods will be integrated in the software prototype Biomove3D currently developed at LAAS.

REQUIREMENTS

Ideal candidates are expected to have a PhD in robotics with a research background in robot algorithms, motion planning, mechanical modelling, or a related field. Strong programming skills (C/C++) and knowledge of Linux are required. Strong interest in bioinformatics research and in interdisciplinary collaboration is also expected.

POSITION TWO

RESPONSIBILITIES:
The second fellow will be in charge of conducting molecular modelling studies and applying the new computational tools to get a better understanding of the structural and functional organization of different kinds of proteins studied by the biologists partners and develop new in silico methodologies for protein engineering and drug design. Three different kinds of biological problems of interest in biotechnology, health and drug design will be addressed: understanding and predicting enzymatic enantioselectivity for engineering enzymes with better properties, understanding the interactions of membrane receptors for developing optimised ligands and studying DNA-protein interactions to develop new pharmaceutical targets.

REQUIREMENTS

For this position, we are seeking a highly motivated scientist who has research background and expertise in a number of areas of Computational Chemistry, including protein modelling, docking & scoring, drug design, small molecule modelling and molecular dynamics simulations. Applicants should have completed a PhD in Chemistry, Biology or related field. A biology background with chemical knowledge and a sound understanding of protein-ligand and protein-protein interactions are required. Experience with programming (C/C++) or scripting languages such as Perl or Python would be a plus. Familiarity with UNIX and Linux is expected.

PREFERENCES

The perspective researchers will have the opportunity to work in a computationally diverse and rich environment in close collaboration with several laboratories, therefore, applicants should enjoy teamwork and have very good communication skills. Good English skills are required and notions of French would be a plus.

COMPENSATION

Toulouse is a beautiful, dynamic and safe city situated in the South West of France, within only 1.5 hour drive from the Pyrenean Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. Toulouse offers outstanding opportunities for culture, entertainment and outdoor activities.

TERMS

The positions are available from June 2006 and for duration of up to two years.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants should send CV, summary of previous research and contact addresses of two references to Thierry Simeon (nic[at]laas.fr)