PhD Research Fellow in Computational Medicinal Chemistry
Investigate structural and functional consequences of the R181C mutation in the mu-opioid receptor using advanced computational methods.
Best for:Best for candidates with a Master's degree in computational chemistry or bioinformatics and strong experience in molecular dynamics simulations.
Overview
The Department of Pharmacy at the University of Oslo invites applications for a three-year PhD Research Fellow position within the interdisciplinary project DECODING ADDICTION. The successful candidate will utilize advanced molecular modeling, molecular dynamics simulations, and high-performance computing on the LUMI supercomputer to study the mu-opioid receptor. Responsibilities include building high-resolution receptor models, executing extensive molecular simulations, performing free energy calculations, and collaborating closely with experimental partners. Applicants are expected to hold a Master's degree in a relevant discipline, demonstrate strong programming and computational chemistry skills, and exhibit high motivation for interdisciplinary research.
What you'll do
- Generate high-resolution models of wild-type and R181C mutant mu-opioid receptors based on crystallographic data and perform molecular docking.
- Conduct extensive molecular dynamics simulations in fully hydrated lipid bilayer systems using software such as AMBER, NAMD, or GROMACS.
- Perform structural analyses including RMSD, RMSF evaluations, and hydrogen bond assessments to identify disrupted interactions.
- Calculate free energy changes and receptor-Gi protein coupling alterations using Free Energy Perturbation or Thermodynamic Integration.
- Collaborate with experimental partners to integrate findings with human behavioral data, mouse models, and cell biology results.
Requirements
Degree required: Master's degree in pharmacy, computational chemistry, medicinal chemistry, bioinformatics, or a closely related field
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; good oral and written communication skills
Instruction: English
- Strong background in molecular modeling, molecular dynamics simulations, or computer-aided drug design
- Proven programming experience demonstrated through publicly available repositories like GitHub or GitLab
- Practical experience in a cell biology laboratory environment
- Fluent oral and written communication skills in English
- Master's degree corresponding to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system
- Average grade point for Bachelor's courses must be C or better in the Norwegian system
- Average grade point for Master's courses must be B or better in the Norwegian system
- Master's thesis must have received a grade of B or better
Funding & terms
How to apply
Applicants must submit their application and required documents through the Jobbnorge recruitment portal by clicking 'Apply for this job'. Ensure all educational results are retrieved from Vitnemålsportalen or uploaded as official transcripts.
- CV
- Cover letter
- BSc + MSc transcripts
- BSc and Master’s degree diploma
- List of publications
- English Language requirements documentation
- 3 reference letters
Contact
Osman Gani· Associate Professor
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