Predoctoral Researcher - Computational Enzyme Design for Glycoengineering

The University Ramon Llull is a confederation of schools, faculties and departments. IQS is its oldest founding member and consists of two major schools, the School of Engineering and the School of Management that form each an administrative grouping of departments and other institutions among which there are three strategic academic divisions: IQS Executive Education that offers cutting-edge and transformative learning experiences to business leaders; IQS Tech Transfer that promotes research with impact, innovation and technology transfer for companies and organizations and IQS Tech Factory that fosters entrepreneurship and supports the creation of new scientific-technological companies.

With 100 years of teaching experience, IQS is a university center of reference, committed to donating responses to the continuum of challenges that the social, economic, technological and industrial context poses.

Our mission and commitment are to cultivate individuals with values and competencies needed to flourish humanely and professionally.

The Biological Chemistry and Biotechnology Group at IQS, Universitat Ramon Llull (Barcelona, Spain) invites applications for a PhD position in computational glycobiology, enzyme design, starting as soon is possible.

Our research aims to uncover and reprogram the molecular principles that govern protein-carbohydrate interactions and enzyme catalysis. We integrate structural bioinformatics, molecular modeling, and artificial intelligence to study biomolecular recognition and to design enzymes with biomedical and biotechnological applications.

The group is embedded in the IQS Department of Bioengineering, a multidisciplinary environment at the interface of biomedicine, chemistry, nanotechnology and biotechnology, and maintains active collaborations with leading international partners.

GQBB - Biological and Biotechnological Chemistry | IQS

PlanasLab - Laboratory of Biochemistry - GQBB

Project

Computational Enzyme Design for Glycoengineering

This project focuses on modeling and engineering carbohydrate-active enzymes for applications in biomedicine and biotechnology. It will combine structure-based modeling, molecular dynamics, and computational design to understand and reprogram enzyme function.

Research tasks

· Modeling enzyme-substrate interactions and catalytic mechanisms

· Expanding de BINDSCAN protocol for computer assisted protein engineering

· Designing improved or novel biocatalysts

· Collaborating with experimental groups for validation

Benefits

• Full-time predoctoral fellowship (for competitive position).
• Access to state-of-the-art computational infrastructure and collaborative projects.
• International research opportunities, including short stays at partner institutions.
• Mentoring, professional development, and integration into a dynamic interdisciplinary environment in Barcelona.

Funding: This position is contingent upon obtaining a competitive PhD fellowship (e.g., FI (AGAUR), FPU (Spanish Ministry of Science), or internal IQS doctoral scholarships).

The group will actively support outstanding candidates during the fellowship application process.

· MSc in biochemistry, chemistry, biophysics, computational biology, or a related field.

· Experience in molecular modeling, enzymology, or protein design desirable.

· Strong academic record and motivation for interdisciplinary research.

· Good written and spoken English.

Application and Selection Process

Please send three different PDF files including:

1. Motivation letter (max. 1 page) (including contact details of at least one referee)
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Academic transcripts (BSc and MSc)
4. Contact details of a referee

1. Applications will be evaluated based on academic excellence, research potential, and motivation. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview.

Applications will be evaluated based on academic excellence, research potential, and motivation. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We promote equality and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions or any other characteristic protected by law. We strongly welcome applications from female candidates as they are currently under-represented at this level in this field of knowledge in our School.

We also promote scientific and technological knowledge, business transformation and societal progress. At IQS we look for professionals committed to both these values.