DESCRIPTION

The Department of Molecular Cell Biology of the University of Leuven (http://www.kuleuven.be) has a funded vacancy for a 4-year PhD-studentship in structural and comparative bioinformatics. The successful candidate will work on generic algorithms for the prediction and statistical assessment of mechanisms of protein-protein interaction based on semi-flexible docking (of atomic-resolution protein structures), fitting (of atomic-resolution protein structures in low-resolution electron density maps) and the co-evolution of the binding sites involved. Where possible, the methods will be applied to the proteins studied by the various experimental units of the department. The successful candidate is poised to gain extensive experience in a variety of sequence analysis and structural bioinformatics techniques. Furthermore, the position offers opportunities for close contact and collaborations with both experimental and computational researchers. Scientific communication in the unit is conducted in English.

REQUIREMENTS

The successful candidate has a Masterâ??s degree or equivalent (with distinction) in computer science or bioinformatics, or in biology or a related field in combination with hands-on programming experience (preferably C/C++ or Java). Experience in structural visualization or modeling is an advantage. The successful candidate is proficient in English. Information on PhD research at the University of Leuven can be found at (http://www.kuleuven.be/phd/ and http://med.kuleuven.be/phd/index_en.html).

LOCALE

University of Leuven
Campus Gasthuisberg O&N1-901
Herestraat 49
B-3000 Leuven, Belgium

(25 km east of Brussels and well connected by rail, road and air)

HOW TO APPLY

Please mail a cover letter, CV, publication list and the names and contact data of at least two academic referees to Prof. Hugo Ceulemans at the following address: bioinf.vac[at]med.kuleuven.be. Further enquiries can also be directed to that address.