Postdoctoral Researcher in Structural Biology and Cryo-Electron Microscopy

Project Overview

The laboratory of Prof. Roberta Gualdani at the University of Louvain (UCLouvain) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join an interdisciplinary project investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying pain and sensory neuron function through structural biology and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM).

The successful candidate will lead structural biology and cryo-EM studies aimed at determining the structures of TRP ion channels and their regulatory complexes. The project combines structural biology with molecular and cellular biology, biophysics, electrophysiology, mouse models, and human genetics, offering a unique opportunity to integrate structural information with functional and physiological data in a collaborative research environment.

Principal Investigator and Host Laboratory

Prof. Roberta Gualdani
Institute of Neuroscience (IoNS)
University of Louvain (UCLouvain), Brussels, Belgium

The postdoctoral researcher will work closely with members of the laboratory as well as collaborators with expertise in electrophysiology, molecular biology, biophysics, genetics, and neuroscience, benefiting from access to state-of-the-art institutional and national cryo-EM facilities.

Requirements

The candidate should hold a PhD in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline. Applicants should have hands-on experience in cryo-electron microscopy, including sample preparation and image processing, as well as expertise in protein expression, purification, and biochemical characterization. Excellent written and spoken English is essential.

Experience with membrane proteins or ion channels and a background in electrophysiological techniques will be considered strong assets. Familiarity with computational structural biology approaches, such as AlphaFold, Rosetta, or molecular dynamics simulations, as well as experience integrating structural, biochemical, and functional data, will be highly valued.

Previous experience mentoring students or junior researchers is desirable, as is a strong interest in pain biology, sensory neuroscience, or ion channel physiology.

Application

Applications should include:

• a complete curriculum vitae;
• a motivation letter describing the applicant's research interests and explaining why they are well suited for this position;
• the contact details of two academic referees or two letters of recommendation.

The position is available immediately or at a mutually agreed starting date. An initial one-year contract will be offered, with the possibility of renewal for a total duration of up to three years.

For further information about the position, please contact:

Prof. Roberta Gualdani
[email protected]