Sérgio Filipe Sousa

PhD research studentship available in computational drug discovery for Machado-Joseph disease at the University of Porto , Faculty of Medicine (FMUP). The project is part of a La Caixa Foundation-funded initiative and is supervised by Sérgio Filipe Sousa (Group Leader, BioSIM – Biomolecular Simulations Group; Assistant Professor, University of Coimbra). The research focuses on targeted protein degradation strategies for the mutant ATXN3 protein, combining molecular dynamics simulations , virtual screening , docking , free energy calculations , and AI-based molecular design . The work is highly relevant to chemistry , computational biology , bioinformatics , medicinal chemistry , and disease-oriented medical science . Funding includes a monthly stipend of €1,359.64 , initially for 9 months and renewable for up to 3 years . The position also includes personal accident insurance and optional social insurance . Eligibility highlights: applicants should have a master's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Medicinal Chemistry, or a related field, and must be enrolled in a doctoral program . Preferred experience includes molecular dynamics, docking, virtual screening, AI methods in molecular design, programming skills, and a master's average of at least 16/20 . Application deadline: 2026-05-12 . Apply via the University of Porto portal using reference BOLS-ICBAS-26-2 . Required documents include a CV, motivation letter, academic certificates, and proof of doctoral enrollment.