Sergi Padilla-Parra

The Padilla-Parra Laboratory at Instituto Biofisika is offering a postdoctoral research opportunity at the intersection of artificial intelligence, protein engineering, and advanced neuroimaging. The project focuses on designing next-generation red and far-red fluorescent proteins for deep-tissue imaging, with a particular emphasis on the mammalian brain. The successful researcher will work on computationally designing novel fluorescent protein variants using modern protein language models and related AI tools, then move these candidates into experimental testing. The work spans sequence design, cloning and expression in bacterial and mammalian systems, purification, biophysical and structural characterisation, and evaluation in neuronal and brain tissue imaging settings. This is a highly interdisciplinary position that brings together expertise in quantitative fluorescence microscopy, protein biophysics, neuroscience, and computational molecular design. The project is based in the Padilla-Parra Laboratory at Instituto Biofisika, an internationally active research group known for work in fluorescence microscopy and optical tools for biology. It also includes close collaboration with researchers at CIC biomaGUNE, the Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, and Onava, creating a network that links academic and industrial expertise. The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to advanced imaging studies using two- and three-photon microscopy, protein photophysics, and quantitative image analysis. The role also includes participation in collaborative research activities, scientific publications, grant preparation, conference presentations, and co-supervision of PhD and Master's students within the laboratory. Instituto Biofisika provides access to strong interdisciplinary infrastructure and a collaborative environment spanning biophysics, structural biology, advanced imaging, and high-performance computing.