Summary
The Antigen Evolution & Design Lab at Institut Pasteur is seeking a highly motivated early-career scientist to join as a Postdoctoral Researcher. The position focuses on developing AI-driven machine learning models, protein language models, and computational approaches to study pathogen antigen evolution and design broad-acting antigens for vaccine targets.
Postdoctoral Researcher (Computational Protein Design & Antigen Evolution) Institut Pasteur, France
Designation
Postdoctoral Researcher
Key Overview
| Parameter | Details |
| Position Title | Postdoctoral Researcher |
| Laboratory | Antigen Evolution & Design Lab |
| Institution | Institut Pasteur |
| Location | Paris, France (15th Arrondissement) |
| Duration | 1 year (renewable up to 3 years; initial 2-year contract available for international candidates) |
| Start Date | October – November 2026 (Negotiable) |
| Contact Person | Spyros Lytras (spyros.lytras@pasteur.fr) |
Research Area
- Computational Protein Design & Antigen Evolution
- Protein Language Models (PLMs) & Machine Learning
- Computational Virology, Structural Biology & Immunology
Location
Institut Pasteur, 15th arrondissement, Paris, France.
Eligibility / Qualification
- Degree: Ph.D. in Computational Virology, Computer Science, Computational Biology, or a closely related field (Ph.D. must be awarded prior to the start date).
- Experience Level: Early-career researchers (no prior postdoctoral experience required).
- Required Skills:
- Experience with training/using protein language models or non-protein large language models (LLMs).
- Proficiency in Python and machine learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch); proficiency in Julia or C++ is also considered.
- Demonstrated research productivity and publication track record.
- Strong collaborative skill set for working with interdisciplinary teams across computer science, immunology, and molecular biology.
- Recommended Skills:
- Familiarity with molecular phylogenetics.
- Previous experience with viral sequence datasets or viral proteins.
- Prior experience using structure prediction platforms (e.g., AlphaFold3, ESMFold, ESM3).
Job Description
- Dataset Development: Build and curate large-scale antigen sequence datasets for training and fine-tuning protein language models across clinically relevant pathogens.
- Methodology: Develop novel computational methods to infer biological functions directly from protein sequences, including modeling epistatic interactions and residue-residue contacts.
- Structural Analysis & Design: Utilize protein structure prediction frameworks (e.g., AlphaFold3, ESMFold, ESM3) to analyze antigen evolution and direct targeted protein design.
- Mentorship & Collaboration: Contribute to collaborative projects across the lab, assist in mentoring students/juniors, and drive independent high-impact research.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application directly via the Institut Pasteur Job Portal.
Required Documents:
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Names and contact emails for two references
For queries about the position, contact Spyros Lytras directly at spyros.lytras[at]pasteur.fr.
Last Date for Apply / Timeline
- Interview Window: Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed on a rolling basis, with final interviews scheduled for September 2026.
- Key Calendar Date: September 1, 2026.
