La Caixa Foundation

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.