PhD Position in Engineering Membrane Proteins and Nanopores for Bioelectronic Applications VIB–VUB Center for Structural Biology in Belgium

This fully funded PhD position at the VIB–VUB Center for Structural Biology offers an exciting opportunity to join the laboratory of Dr. Anastassia Vorobieva, a leader in the de novo design of transmembrane β-barrel nanopores. The research focuses on engineering and characterizing membrane proteins, nanopores, and ion channels for in vitro bioelectronic applications, sitting at the interface of protein design and applied technology. The successful candidate will learn and apply state-of-the-art computational design tools to engineer novel membrane proteins, followed by experimental validation and integration into functional devices at the biology–electronics interface.

The Vorobieva lab provides an interdisciplinary environment where computational method development is closely integrated with experimental validation and large dataset collection. The group is an active member of the international RosettaCommons community, offering opportunities for collaboration, training, workshops, and networking with leading researchers in computational protein design. The VIB–VUB Center for Structural Biology is co-affiliated with the VIB Center for AI & Computational Biology and offers access to state-of-the-art infrastructure including cryo-electron microscopy, X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, and high-performance computing.

Applicants should have a solid experimental foundation in protein biochemistry, structural biology, or biophysics, and a curiosity for computational approaches. Essential qualifications include a Master's degree in Biochemistry, Protein Engineering, Structural Biology, Biophysics, Biotechnology, or a related field, hands-on experience with protein expression, purification, and characterization, familiarity with biophysical techniques (such as electrophysiology, fluorescence assays, SEC, CD spectroscopy), strong analytical and problem-solving skills, motivation to learn computational protein design methods, excellent written and spoken communication skills in English, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an international group.

Desirable qualifications include experience in membrane protein biochemistry (expression in cell-free systems, detergents, nanodiscs, or lipid vesicles), electrophysiology or nanopore recording (planar bilayer or solid-state setups), structural characterization (cryo-EM, X-ray crystallography, or NMR), ion channel or pore-forming protein biology, in vitro reconstitution and lipid bilayer systems, biosensor development or biology–electronics integration, basic programming skills (Python or similar), familiarity with protein structure visualization tools (PyMOL, ChimeraX), and experience with Rosetta or other protein design software.

The offer includes a fully funded PhD position with an attractive salary, a dynamic and highly stimulating interdisciplinary research environment, access to state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure, and an international, supportive lab culture. The application deadline is December 31, 2026.

To apply, submit a cover letter describing your motivation and relevant research experience, a curriculum vitae, and contact information for two referees via the online VIB career portal. For more information about the research group and environment, visit the laboratory website or contact Dr. Anastassia Vorobieva.