Postdoctoral Researcher – Next-gen sequencing for machine-learning guided directed evolution
Solliciteer nuPostdoctoral Researcher – Next-gen sequencing for machine-learning guided directed evolution
Are you passionate about interfacing state-of-the-art sequencing techniques with deep learning approaches to accelerate the directed evolution of tailor-made (bio)catalysts and drugs? Supported by the Machine-Learning Guided Directed Evolution (ML-GUIDE) consortium, we are offering a fully funded Postdoctoral Researcher position at the University of Groningen.
Postdoctoral Researcher – Next-gen sequencing for machine-learning guided directed evolution
Solliciteer nu
What are you going to do?
Evolution is an all-purpose problem solver, which researchers mimic in the laboratory to engineer tailor-made (bio)molecules that aid us in combating diseases and in realizing a sustainable economy. While effective, such directed evolution campaigns are not only laborious and time-consuming but also cover only a miniscule fraction of the unimaginably large sequence space available. As a result, means to guide evolutionary trajectories along a biomolecule’s fitness landscape are sought-after, as they could greatly accelerate evolutionary searches.
Within the framework of the recently funded ML-GUIDE project, we aim to make directed evolution guidable and, ultimately, predictable by machine learning. In your role, you will be leading next-generation and third-generation sequencing campaigns to expedite the design of high-affinity binders that engage with therapeutic targets or efficient (bio)catalysts for synthetic applications. Your contributions in data generation and valorization will be crucial to establish accelerated Design-Build-Test-Learn cycles to continuously improve models via active learning and guide evolutionary trajectories toward promising but otherwise inaccessible sequence spaces.
You will be embedded in the research groups of Prof. Clemens Mayer (https://mayerlab.nl/), who leads the Molecular Evolution Group at the University of Groningen. As part of the ML-GUIDE team, you will closely collaborate with the groups of Prof. Francesca Grisoni (https://molecularmachinelearning.com/) and Dr. Robert Pollice (https://pollicegroup.web.rug.nl/) to use the power of sequencing for common aspects of engineering biomolecules for diverse applications!
Who are you?
We are looking for creative, motivated, and determined candidates, who meet the following requirements:
- A PhD degree (or an equivalent university degree) in (Bio)chemistry, Bioinformatics, Synthetic Chemistry/Biology or a related field.
- Hands-on experience in preparation and analysis of next-generation sequencing libraries in the field of directed evolution.
- First-hand experience with third-generation sequencing technologies or interfacing sequencing data with machine-learning is a plus.
- A proven publication record showcasing your ability to produce high-quality research published in international, peer-reviewed journals.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
- Experience supervising BSc/MSc/PhD students is an advantage.
- A proactive and motivated approach to identifying research opportunities and contributing to the success of the project and team.
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 (schaal 10.4) up to a maximum of € 5.760 (schaal 10) 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 temporary full-time position for a specified period of 12 months, with the possibility of an added extension of 24 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.
De Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) verzorgt onderwijs en onderzoek in een breed spectrum van disciplines, van natuurkunde en biologie tot kunstmatige intelligentie, werktuigbouwkunde en farmacie. We dragen in nauwe samenwerking met partners uit bedrijfsleven, medische wereld en maatschappij bij aan de urgente uitdagingen van onze tijd, zoals energie, duurzaamheid, digitalisering en medische technologie. Onze gemeenschap heeft een open en informeel karakter, met meer dan 7.000 studenten, 1.000 promovendi en 1.400 medewerkers van over de hele wereld. Wil je meer weten over de Faculty of Science and Engineering? Kijk dan op rug.nl/fse.
The University of Groningen is a research university, currently in or around the top 100 on several influential ranking lists. The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) is the largest faculty within the University, offering first-rate education and research in a wide range of science and engineering disciplines. The mission of the Stratingh Institute for Chemistry is to perform excellent research and teaching in molecular and supramolecular chemistry. Core activities in the chemical sciences such as bioorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, molecular inorganic chemistry and molecular materials chemistry are embedded in the institute. The research programme is focused on synthesis, catalysis, functional materials, bio-organic chemistry/chemical biology and systems chemistry/complex molecular systems. The Mayer group tackles scientific and societal challenges with innovative molecular evolution approaches. We aspire to employ selections for the creation of made-to-order biomolecules and to obtain a molecular understanding of the underlying evolutionary processes. The group pursues two ambitious research goals: (1) to utilize continuous evolution to engineer efficient biocatalysts and map their structure-function relationships; and (2) to interface synthetic chemistry with phage display protocols to select natural product-like macrocyclic peptides that combine the favorable traits of small-molecule and peptide-based drugs.
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Application procedure
Nadat je jouw sollicitatie hebt ingediend, ontvang je een bevestiging per mail.
De selectiecommissie beoordeelt je sollicitatie en laat je zo spoedig mogelijk weten of je wordt uitgenodigd voor een gesprek.
We leren elkaar graag beter kennen tijdens een eerste gesprek, dat zowel online als op locatie kan plaatsvinden.
Mogelijk plannen we nog een tweede gesprek met je in. Dit gesprek kan, afhankelijk van de functie, worden aangevuld met een assessment of gastcollege.
Na een positief gesprek, nemen we samen de arbeidsvoorwaarden door. Als alles rond is, heten we je van harte welkom bij de Rijksuniversiteit 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:
- A letter stating your motivation to apply and your key qualities relevant for this position.
- An up-to-date curriculum vitae with a full list of publications.
- Diplomas (BSs, Msc, and PhD (if available)).
- Contact information of two academic references.
Do you have any questions or need more information?
-
Questions about the content of the job?
Clemens Mayer
Associate Professor
C.Mayer@rug.nl -
Questions about your application process?
Clemens Mayer
Associate Professor
C.Mayer@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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