Roberta Gualdani

Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain) is recruiting a Postdoctoral Researcher in Structural Biology and Cryo-Electron Microscopy to join the laboratory of Prof. Roberta Gualdani at the Institute of Neuroscience (IoNS) in Brussels, Belgium. The project focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying pain and sensory neuron function , with an emphasis on the structural and functional analysis of TRP ion channels and their regulatory complexes. The successful candidate will lead structural biology and cryo-EM work, contributing to the determination of protein structures and helping connect structural information with cellular and physiological function. This is an interdisciplinary environment combining structural biology , molecular and cellular biology, biophysics , electrophysiology, mouse models, and human genetics. The postdoctoral researcher will collaborate with experts across these areas and will benefit from access to state-of-the-art institutional and national cryo-EM facilities . Eligibility and profile: applicants should hold a PhD in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline. Hands-on cryo-electron microscopy experience is required, including sample preparation and image processing, together with strong skills in protein expression, purification, and biochemical characterization. Excellent written and spoken English is essential. Experience with membrane proteins or ion channels, electrophysiological techniques, and computational structural biology tools such as AlphaFold, Rosetta, or molecular dynamics simulations will be considered important assets. Application materials: a full CV, a motivation letter explaining research interests and suitability for the post, and the contact details of two academic referees or two letters of recommendation. The position is available immediately or from a mutually agreed start date. The appointment is initially for one year, with the possibility of renewal for up to three years in total. Contact: Prof. Roberta Gualdani, [email protected].