Summary:
This PhD position at the VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology offers a unique opportunity to join a cutting-edge research group focused on the de novo design and experimental validation of membrane proteins, nanopores, and ion channels. The project aims to integrate these engineered biological components into functional bioelectronic devices, bridging the gap between protein design and applied technology. The successful candidate will utilize advanced computational tools for protein design and gain hands-on experience in experimental characterization and device integration within an interdisciplinary and international research environment.
PhD Position: Engineering Membrane Proteins and Nanopores for Bioelectronic Applications, VIB, Belgium
Designation: PhD Student
Table of Key Information:
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Posted Date | 26 June 2026 |
| Location | Brussels, VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology |
| Laboratory | Anastassia Vorobieva Lab |
| Research Area | Protein Engineering, Structural Biology, Biophysics, Nanopore Technology, Bioelectronics, Computational Protein Design, Ion Channel Biology, Biosensor Development. |
| Position Type | PhD Position |
| Number of Positions | 1 |
Research Area:
The research centers on the design and characterization of membrane proteins, nanopores, and ion channels for bioelectronic applications. This involves leveraging state-of-the-art computational design tools to engineer novel membrane proteins and then experimentally validating these designs. The ultimate goal is to integrate these engineered proteins into functional devices at the biology-electronics interface. The lab specializes in the de novo design of transmembrane β-barrel nanopores and provides an interdisciplinary environment where computational method development is closely integrated with experimental validation.
Location:
Brussels, VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology
Eligibility/Qualification:
Essential Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Biochemistry, Protein Engineering, Structural Biology, Biophysics, Biotechnology, or a related field.
- Hands-on experience with protein expression, purification, and characterization.
- Familiarity with biophysical techniques (e.g., electrophysiology, fluorescence assays, SEC, CD spectroscopy, or similar).
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Motivation to learn computational protein design methods.
- Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an international group.
- Curiosity for computational approaches and a desire to expand skill set into protein design and modeling.
Desirable Qualifications (considered an advantage):
- Membrane protein biochemistry (expression in cell-free systems, detergents, nanodiscs, or lipid vesicles).
- Electrophysiology or nanopore recording (planar bilayer or solid-state setups).
- Structural characterization (cryo-EM, X-ray crystallography, or NMR).
- Ion channel or pore-forming protein biology.
- In vitro reconstitution and lipid bilayer systems.
- Biosensor development or biology–electronics integration.
- Basic programming skills (Python or similar).
- Familiarity with protein structure visualization tools (PyMOL, ChimeraX, or similar).
- Rosetta or other protein design software.
Job Description:
The successful candidate will be involved in:
- Designing novel membrane proteins and nanopores using computational tools.
- Experimentally validating these engineered designs.
- Characterizing the properties of designed proteins using various biophysical techniques.
- Integrating functional proteins into bioelectronic devices.
- Collaborating with researchers in protein engineering, structural biology, nanopore technologies, and bioelectronic systems.
- Utilizing state-of-the-art infrastructure for structural characterization (cryo-EM, X-ray crystallography, NMR) and high-performance computing.
- Participating in the international RosettaCommons community for training and networking.
How to Apply:
Applications should be submitted via the online VIB career portal: https://jobs.vib.be/apply/136024
Please include:
- A cover letter detailing your motivation for the position and relevant research experience.
- A curriculum vitae (CV).
- Contact information for two referees.
Last Date for Apply:
The posting date is 26 June 2026. Specific application deadline information is not provided, but interested candidates should apply through the VIB career portal as soon as possible.
For more information:
Dr. Anastassia Vorobieva
Email: anastassia.vorobieva@vub.vib.be
Laboratory Website: https://vorobievalab.sites.vib.be
VIB Website: https://vib.be
Center for Structural Biology: https://csb.sites.vib.be
