Postdoctoral Position in AI/ML-driven Structural Bioinformatics/Biocomputing for Enzyme-Materials Systems INSA Toulouse in France

A postdoctoral position is available at the Toulouse Biotechnology Institute (TBI), located at INSA Toulouse, France, focusing on AI/ML-driven structural bioinformatics and enzyme–material interaction prediction. The laboratory is affiliated with the French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE) and the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), offering a vibrant interdisciplinary research environment.

The scientific context centers on advancing sustainable, bio-based industries through the development of robust catalytic systems for biomass valorization. The PEPR B-BEST “CALIBRATE” project aims to create a systematic and predictive framework for enzyme immobilization and hybrid catalysis, designing catalytic biocomposites that combine enzymes with advanced materials such as metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). This approach seeks to improve enzyme stability, recyclability, and catalytic performance, contributing to next-generation biorefineries.

The project unites expertise from leading academic partners, including Centrale Lille, CEA Genoscope, Université Paris-Saclay, IRCELYON, and TBI, covering enzyme discovery, materials science, high-throughput experimentation, AI, and computational modeling. The successful candidate will develop and apply computational pipelines to analyze structural and physicochemical features of enzymes, integrate large-scale datasets, implement machine learning models to predict enzyme immobilization efficiency, activity, and stability, and contribute to predictive tools for selecting optimal enzyme–support combinations. Close collaboration with experimental partners is expected to guide validation and iteratively improve models.

This is an 18-month fixed-term contract funded by INSA Toulouse, with a possible extension for an additional 12 months. The position is full-time and offers a unique opportunity to work at the interface of AI, structural bioinformatics, and biocatalysis. Applicants must hold a PhD in computational biology, structural bioinformatics, or machine learning applied to biomolecules. Essential skills include protein 3D modelling, sequence analysis, machine learning, Python programming, and experience with heterogeneous datasets. Strong communication and organizational skills, motivation for interdisciplinary teamwork, and proficiency in English are required. Candidates from diverse backgrounds at the intersection of computational biology, bioinformatics, AI/ML, and molecular modelling are encouraged to apply.

To apply, send a Curriculum Vitae and a letter of motivation to Dr Sophie Barbe at [email protected]. Pre-selected candidates will be invited for a mandatory interview. For further details, visit the Toulouse Biotechnology Institute website.