Computational Protein Structure Modeler

Are you interested in developing computational biology solutions for industrial biotechnology applications? Would you like to do impactful research in the cutting edge of natural sciences with superb colleagues who are top experts in their field? Do you want to build a science career and work in a versatile role at the interface of academy and industry? VTT might be just the place for you. 

VTT is one of the leading applied research organisations in Europe. What unites us are curiosity, a passion for learning, and a purpose: to solve the biggest challenges of our time and turn them into sustainable growth and well-being. Our cross-disciplinary community of over 2000 brilliant minds focuses on creating impact through science-based innovation. In recent years, we have created ground-breaking innovations such as the world's fastest and most accurate radiation detector, a cancer-sniffing sensor device for smartphones, and a headphone set entirely made of microbial materials. Get to know us further by exploring VTT's tech & infra.

We are now looking for computational or NMR biology  expert specialized in protein science

You will combine molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments and machine learning approaches to characterize and design proteins with applications in material science and as enzymes.

Our Bioanalytics and biological data science team combines data-driven and mechanistic modelling with automated experimental platforms and advanced bioanalytics to provide solutions to biological questions.  Together with other research teams in VTT’s industrial biotechnology and food research, we are developing bioinspired processes and products paving a way for circular economy.

Our Protein Modeler:

• Develops a solid understanding of properties, applications and design of proteins used in material science applications.
• Develops computational and experimental strategies for structure–function prediction of enzymes and for characterization of disordered biomolecules.
• Integrates physics based biomolecular modeling with experiments and data-driven approaches.
• Develops strategies to make simulation and experimental data accessible for machine learning and other data-driven approaches.
• Contributes to writing proposals for public funding.
• Contributes to both academic and industrial customer research and development projects.

Who we are looking for:

• You have a M.Sc. or a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in biophysics, physical chemistry, chemistry, physics, material science, biochemistry, biotechnology, computational biology or a related field.
• You are well acquainted with computational modeling of biomolecules.
• You have programming skills in Python or similar programming languages
• You have solid understanding of statistical physics of soft matter systems, liquid state physical chemistry and/or protein physical chemistry.
• It’s an advantage if you also have experience in NMR experiments, material science, protein modeling, enzyme modeling, QM/MM simulations, machine learning, and/or data science.

As a person, we hope that you are:

• Approachable and easy to talk to. You have strong communication skills and are able to efficiently and interact in interdisciplinary contexts and with people from different fields.
• You have a knack for identifying business opportunities and enjoy getting a better understanding of customers needs.
• An enthusiastic outside-the-box thinker. You enjoy challenges and learning new things, and have a strong passion for science and research and development.
• Motivated and willing to take initiative in getting projects executed
• We appreciate the ability to tolerate pressure and maintain good work-life balance

With VTT, you’ll enjoy:

• Natural sciences with an impact. VTT works on the cutting-edge of natural sciences, and we've invested in building state-of-the-art research facilities for natural sciences, such as the Bioruukki pilot infrastructure for bio- and circular economy. Our research agenda is dedicated to solving systemic and technological challenges, such as reaching carbon neutrality and unleashing the power of synthetic biology. That means that at VTT, your expertise in natural sciences will go towards creating a real impact. Read more about our strategy – the path of exponential hope.
• Superb colleagues and community. With VTT, you'll join a community of over 2000 multidisciplinary experts who foster a culture of trust, openness, and sharing of knowledge. We work across disciplines and house all the cutting-edge sciences, from quantum computing to synthetic biology, under one roof. Collaborating with superb colleagues is a source of learning, inspiration, and fun. Read more about our organisational culture as the builder of the world's most meaningful place to work.
• Excellent career in research. At VTT, excellence in research is a strategic priority. We offer long-term positions and stable career paths in top-level research. People tend to stay with us for over ten years since there are always new roles and responsibilities to grow into. A combination of cutting-edge academic research and applied customer projects keeps your career path interesting.
• Support for your well-being. Our people are our main asset, so we take good care of them. We aim to nurture excellent team spirit and leadership and offer versatile well-being services to enable a good work-life balance. On top of 6 weeks of paid holidays, we offer exercise and culture benefits, hobby clubs, and voluntary well-being services such as meditation and cognitive ergonomics training.

Apply now and join our community of brilliant minds!

Please send your CV and answer to the preliminary screening questions with your salary request via our recruitment system as soon as possible but at the latest by 18th of January 2024. We will make our first screening anonymously based on the answers you have provided to the open questions and we will process applications as they come in and fill the position as soon as we find the right candidate. A security clearance procedure may be conducted during the recruitment process.

Interested and want to know more?

For further information, please contact Research Team Leader Heli Nygren, heli.nygren@vtt.fi, +358407516999 or Senior Scientist Samuli Ollila, Samuli.ollila@vtt.fi, +358503746963

We look forward to hearing from you!

Apply between 22 December 2023 and 18 January 2024 23:59 (Europe/Helsinki)

Employment type: Full-time, Permanent

VTT

VTT is a visionary research, development and innovation partner. We drive sustainable growth and tackle the biggest global challenges of our time and turn them into growth opportunities. We go beyond the obvious to help the society and companies to grow through technological innovations. We have 80 years of experience of top-level research and science-based results. VTT is at the sweet spot where innovation and business come together.

VTT – beyond the obvious.