PhD Position – AI Models for Membrane Protein Design VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology in Belgium

The VIB–VUB Center for Structural Biology, in collaboration with the VIB Center for AI & Computational Biology, is offering a fully funded PhD position focused on developing advanced AI-driven methods for membrane protein design. The research aims to create machine-learning models that explicitly account for protein–lipid and protein–membrane interactions, enabling the design of synthetic membrane proteins and nanopores with sophisticated functionalities such as selective transport, sensing, and signal transduction.

The successful candidate will join the laboratory of Dr. Anastassia Vorobieva, a pioneering group in the de novo design of transmembrane β-barrel nanopores. The lab provides a highly interdisciplinary environment where computational method development is closely integrated with experimental validation. Students will have opportunities to collaborate with experts in protein engineering, structural biology, and nanopore technologies, receiving direct feedback on their tools and methods.

The research environment includes access to state-of-the-art infrastructure such as cryo-electron microscopy, X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, and high-performance computing. The Vorobieva laboratory is an active member of the international RosettaCommons community, offering collaboration, training, workshops, and networking with leading researchers in computational protein design.

Applicants should have a strong interest in computational biology, protein design, and AI applied to structural biology. Essential qualifications include a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, AI/Machine Learning, Physics, Mathematics, Bioengineering, Structural Biology, Biophysics, or a related field. Candidates must demonstrate strong quantitative, analytical, and problem-solving skills, programming experience in Python or a similar scientific language, and excellent written and spoken English. The ability to work independently and collaboratively in an international research setting is required. Experience in deep learning, structural bioinformatics, protein structure prediction, molecular simulations, membrane proteins, scientific software development, Linux, high-performance computing, or Rosetta software is advantageous.

The position offers a fully funded PhD with an attractive salary, access to cutting-edge facilities, and a dynamic, supportive, and international lab culture. The application deadline is 23 October 2026. To apply, submit a cover letter, CV, and contact information for two referees via the VIB career portal. For further information, visit the laboratory website or contact Dr. Anastassia Vorobieva at [email protected].

Relevant links: Application Portal, Vorobieva Lab, VIB, Center for Structural Biology.