Postdoctoral position Small Molecules that Repartition RNA Conformational Ensembles
Solliciteer nuPostdoctoral position Small Molecules that Repartition RNA Conformational Ensembles
A one-year postdoc position is open in the RNA Structural Dynamics Group at the Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute (GBB).
The appointment will focus on RNA molecules rarely adopt a single structure. Most fold into an ensemble of interconverting conformations, and the balance between these states is often what determines whether an RNA is translated, spliced, degraded or recognised by its partners. RNA has therefore emerged as a major, largely untapped class of drug targets. Yet despite substantial investment, only one small molecule acting on an mRNA (risdiplam) has reached the clinic, and most compounds identified in binding-based screens have no measurable effect on RNA function.
Our recent work suggests why. In a study published in Nature Communications (Zhang et al., 2026), we showed that the FDA-approved anticancer drug mitoxantrone does not simply bind its target RNA: it selectively stabilises one conformation within the RNA’s structural ensemble, repartitioning the population of states and thereby modulating RNA function. Binding to RNA is not enough: changing its shape is what makes a drug work. This points to a different route for RNA-targeted drug discovery, in which compounds are selected not for affinity alone but for their ability to redistribute conformational ensembles in a desired direction.
This project will build on that framework. Combining high-throughput RNA structure probing (SHAPE/DMS mutational profiling), ensemble deconvolution, chemical biology and functional assays in cells, the postdoctoral researcher will establish how small molecules reshape RNA conformational landscapes, identify new ensemble-repartitioning compounds, and define the rules that connect a shift in the structural ensemble to a change in RNA function.
Postdoctoral position Small Molecules that Repartition RNA Conformational Ensembles
Solliciteer nu
What are you going to do?
As a postdoctoral researcher you will:
- Map how small molecules reshape RNA conformational ensembles using chemical probing (SHAPE/DMS-MaP) of RNA–ligand complexes in vitro and in cells, combined with ensemble deconvolution to resolve individual conformers and quantify ligand-induced repartitioning.
- Screen and characterise ensemble-repartitioning compounds, moving beyond affinity-based readouts to identify molecules that shift the balance between functional and non-functional RNA states on disease-relevant targets.
- Dissect mechanism by defining binding sites, ligand selectivity for individual conformers and the thermodynamic and kinetic basis of ensemble repartitioning, in collaboration with chemistry and structural biology partners.
- Link structure to function through reporter assays, translation and splicing readouts, and transcriptome-wide structure probing to assess on-target effects and selectivity in cells.
- Develop methods and analysis pipelines for the quantitative, high-throughput profiling of ligand- induced changes in RNA structural ensembles, contributing to the lab’s open-source software ecosystem.
- Publish and present your findings in peer-reviewed journals and at international conferences, and contribute to supervising PhD and MSc students in the lab.
Who are you?
We are seeking a curious, focused, and collaborative researcher who thrives on challenges. You will be a strong candidate if you have:
- A PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Biophysics, RNA Biology, Bioinformatics or a related field, completed or nearly completed.
- Hands-on experience with RNA biochemistry and/or RNA structure probing (e.g. SHAPE, DMS, mutational profiling, next-generation sequencing library preparation) is a strong advantage.
- Experience with small-molecule/RNA interactions, chemical biology, compound screening or biophysical binding assays is highly desirable.
- Familiarity with computational analysis of sequencing data (Unix/shell, Python or R); experience with RNA structure prediction or ensemble analysis is a plus. Candidates with a primarily computational background and a strong interest in experimental validation are also encouraged to apply.
- A strong record of scientific output relative to career stage (publications, conference contributions).
- Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary, collaborative science and willingness to interact closely with chemists and structural biologists within and outside Groningen.
- Good written and spoken English, strong communication, organisational and mentoring skills.
What can you expect from us?
- In accordance with the collective labor agreement for Dutch universities, we offer a salary of at least € 4.251 up to a maximum of € 4.422 (salary scale 10.4) gross per month for a full-time employment contract.
- 232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38-hour workweek (1.0 FTE). You can also work more or fewer hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours. For example, with a 40-hour workweek, you save 96 extra free hours, and with a 36-hour workweek, you lose 96 hours.
- End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance.
- Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.
- A fixed-term contract of 1.0 FTE for the duration of 12 months.
Where will you be working?
At the University of Groningen (UG), researchers from all fields of academia and technology are working on academic challenges and societal questions. Lecturers prepare their students for meaningful careers within or outside the academic world. Interdisciplinary research and teaching, sharing of knowledge, collaboration with businesses, government institutions, and societal organizations are aspects that are of the utmost importance to this European top university. The UG aims to be an open academic community with an inclusive and safe working climate that invites you to add your value.
The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) provides teaching and research across a wide range of disciplines, from physics and biology to artificial intelligence, mechanical engineering, and pharmacy. In close collaboration with partners from industry, healthcare, and society, we contribute to the urgent challenges of our time, such as energy, sustainability, digitization, and medical technology. Our community is open and informal, with more than 7,000 students, 1,000 PhD students, and 1,400 staff members from all over the world. If you would like to learn more about the Faculty of Science and Engineering, visit rug.nl/fse.
The RNA Structural Dynamics Group at the Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute (GBB) is looking for a talented and motivated postdoctoral researcher to lead this line of research. The lab develops and applies experimental and computational methods for mapping RNA structure and dynamics directly in living cells, including chemical probing coupled to mutational profiling and high-throughput sequencing, the deconvolution of heterogeneous RNA structural ensembles, and sequencing-base RNA structure and modification profiling. Over the past years we have used these approaches to uncover conserved RNA regulatory switches, to chart the complexity of cellular RNA folding, and, most recently, to characterise how small molecules such as mitoxantrone redistribute RNA conformational ensembles.
You will work at the interface of RNA structural biology, chemical biology and drug discovery, with access to the lab’s complete pipeline from compound screening and structure probing through to computational ensemble analysis and functional validation.
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Application procedure
After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation by email.
The selection committee assesses your application and you will be notified as soon as possible whether you are invited for an interview.
We would like to get to know each other better in a first interview, which can take place either online or on location.
We may schedule a second interview with you. Depending on the position, this interview can be complemented with an assessment or guest lecture.
After a positive interview, we will discuss the terms of employment together. When everything is completed, we are happy to welcome you at the University of Groningen!
Interested?
Does this vacancy appeal to you? If so, click on the button below and apply straightaway.
Please add the following documents to your application:
- CV.
- Cover letter.
Do you have any questions or need more information?
-
Questions about the content of the job?
Danny Incarnato
Associate Professor
D.Incarnato@rug.nl -
Questions about your application process?
Chienes Metus
Managing Coordinator
A.Metus@rug.nl
Information about applying
When scheduling meetings, we will take your schedule into account as much as possible.
The University of Groningen considers social safety important. We strive to be a university where staff and students feel respected and at home, regardless of differences in background, experiences, perspectives, and identity. For more information, see also our page about our diversity policy.
Acquisition is not appreciated.
Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the NVP Application Code.
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