Call for PhD's 2018
PhD position 1 - Method development for protein modelling and simulation
Project: The candidate will develop computational methods to study in silico large proteins and protein assemblies. The project aims at the design, implementation and usage of algorithms to model and efficiently simulate a biomolecule, and substantially involves scientific programming, modification and usage of existing software (in particular simulation suites e.g. LAMMPS), and AI applications (deep neural networks).
Your profile: Candidates are expected to have a solid background in statistical mechanics, proficiency in scientific programming (C, C++, Python), and competence in the usage of Unix-based systems. Optional skills: experience in neural networks / deep neural networks (theory as well as software implementation); experience in molecular dynamics simulations and related software (GROMACS, NAMD, LAMMPS, etc.); basic knowledge of biophysics (molecular biophysics in particular). Basic knowledge of coarse-graining techniques. An excellent knowledge of the English language is a fundamental prerequisite.
PhD position 2 - Protein structure and function-oriented dynamics
Project: The candidate will carry out a study focussing on the relationship between a protein's structure and its function-oriented dynamics. The project will require and extensive usage of bioinformatic tools and atomistic molecular dynamics simulations.
Your profile: The candidates are expected to have good knowledge of molecular dynamics simulations and related software (GROMACS, NAMD, LAMMPS, etc.); basic to good knowledge of biophysics (molecular biophysics in particular); basic background in statistical mechanics. Optional skills: proficiency in scientific programming (C, C++, Python) and competence in the usage of Unix-based systems; experience with bioinformatic tools (protein structure databases, sequence/structure alignment software, etc.). An excellent knowledge of the English language is a fundamental prerequisite.
Offer
We offer a fully funded 36 months PhD studentship for each of the two aforementioned positions, starting in Fall 2018. The salary is of 1.200 €/month, which is ~100€ higher than the Italian basis PhD salary. The PhD stipend is particularly advantageous in Trento, where the cost of living is relatively low. The successful candidates will have the opportunity of studying and working in a thriving, international, intellectually stimulating research environment among the most active and rapidly growing in Europe. They will be provided ample resources to present their results in international conferences in Europe and abroad, and will be financially supported in the participation to summer/winter schools on relevant research topics.
We actively seek to strengthen the role and contribution of women in STEM. We therefore explicitly encourage women to apply.
How to Apply
Applications to both positions are performed completely online following the information that can be found at this link.
The deadline for application is August 30, 2018.
An evaluation of titles (CV, publications, reference letters, etc.) will take place to select those candidates admitted to an oral examination (to be done via Skype if necessary). A 15 € application fee is required.
Expressions of interest can be communicated by filling the form available at this page.