Research Assistant - Targeting retrotransposon-mediated spreading of TDP-43 pathology in ALS to develop new therapies. (Open)

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive brain disease that destroy neurons, leading to death. TDP-43 is a key player of the development of this disease, becoming harmful when it changes its nuclear physiological location and accumulates in the cytoplasm of the cells. This harmful build-up can spread between cells in a similar way to how viruses spread, using structures called capsids. These capsids are formed by specific proteins, which act like carriers, helping to move toxic materials from one cell to another to exacerbate the disease. Our project aims to understand how these processes contribute to the spread of ALS.

TASKS:

• Identification of Arc and PEG10 related Therapeutic Targets: To apply cutting-edge computational techniques, including artificial intelligence, chemoinformatics, and molecular dynamics simulations, to identify key structural residues that mediate their oligomerization into capsid-like structures. The goal is to pinpoint specific binding pockets to select targets for small molecule intervention to disrupt capsid formation and halt the TDP-43 ropagation. Screening and Development of Compounds with Capsid Assembly Modulator (CAM).
• To perform high-throughput screening and develop CAM-like drugs. These compounds will be tested for their ability to modulate the assembly of capsid structures formed by Arc and PEG10, aiming to disrupt the viral-like propagation.

Python, Machine Learning, Molecular Dynamics. Physics degree is preferable.

• Estimated annual gross salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay scales
• Target start date: 2025/01/02

We provide a highly stimulating research environment, and unique professional career development opportunities.

We offer and promote a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity.

Aritz Leonardo works as a assistant professor at the University of the Basque Country, where he leads the Bilbao Computational Biophysics (https://bcb.eus/) research group. This group develops advanced models for complex biological problems, such as co-translational rotein folding and the clinical impact of genetic mutations.

Interested candidates should submit an updated CV and a brief statement of interest to the following application email below. 

Reference letters are welcome but not indispensable.

The reference of the specific opening to which the candidate is applying should be stated in the subject line, and the application must be received before the application deadline.

Although candidates are welcome to contact the project supervisors to know further details about the proposed research activity, please be aware that the application will be evaluated only if it is submitted directly to the email address listed below as application email.

• Reference: 2024/46
• Application deadline: 2024/12/31
• Application email: jobs.research@dipc.org

Applications received by the deadline will be evaluated by a Committee designed by the DIPC board on the basis of the following criteria:

• CV of the candidate (40%)
• Adequacy of the candidate’s scientific background to the project (40%)
• Reference letters (10%)
• Other: Diversity in gender, race, nationality, etc. (10%)

Evaluation results will be communicated to the candidates soon after. Positions will only be filled if qualified candidates are found.

The DIPC may revoke its decision if the candidate fails to join by the appointed time, in which case the position will be awarded to the candidate with the next highest score, provided it is above 50 (out of 100).

However, the selected candidate may keep the position if, in the opinion of the Selection Committee, the candidate duly justifies the reasons why he or she cannot join before the specified deadline, and as long as the project allows it.

This contract is funded by RIS3, as funding from the Health Department of the Basque Government.