Statistical Physics of Advanced Research in Kinetics of Bio-Nano Complex Matter (Bio-Nano-SPARK)

Description: We will investigate hydration-mediated mechanisms that govern the formation, stability, and dynamics of biomolecular condensates. Using a multiscale approach, we combine statistical physics, molecular simulations, and machine learning to uncover how water structure and interfacial hydration regulate phase separation, molecular interactions, and transport within condensates. Responsibilities: The researcher will contribute to objectives related to protein aggregation and condensation, as well as protein liquid-liquid phase separation. These topics are among the main focuses of the team and are crucial for the national project coordinated by the PI, as well as being the subject of intense research in the field of nano-biophysics. Functions and tasks: Perform Monte Carlo free-energy calculations and Molecular Dynamics simulations independently; Develop machine learning approaches to the problem; Refine statistical physics theories based on numerical results; Compare with experiments; Supervise students involved in the project; Write technical documents and scientific manuscripts; Present the state of the art at group meetings and conferences; Report to the PI. Principal Investigator (PI): Professor Giancarlo Franzese. Research Group: Statistical Physics of Bio-Nano Complex Matter Group. Direct link to the publication on the UB's website: https://seu.ub.edu/ofertaPublicaCategoriaPublic/listPublicacionsAmbCategoria?categoria.id=982740 Where to apply Website: http://www.ub.edu/caiac/solBeca?idConvocatoria=50619 Requirements Research Field: Physics Education Level: PhD or equivalent Skills/Qualifications Expertise in Statistical Physics and Computational Physics of soft matter and nano-bio interactions. Knowledge of Monte Carlo methods, Molecular Dynamics packages, Machine Learning basics. GPU Coding. Proved fluency in English. Communication skills. Team-working propensity. Autonomy and initiative. Positive attitude and enthusiasm. Specific Requirements Knowledge of High Performance Computation is a plus. Languages: Catalan, Spanish, English — Level: Excellent Additional Information Benefits A full-time work contract (37.5 hrs/week). Eligibility criteria A specific committee will evaluate the applications using the following criteria: Suitability of the CV for the job (maximum 20) PhD in the specific research field (maximum 20) Motivation letter (maximum 20) Experience in the research field (maximum 20) Other criteria based on specific merits / Interview (maximum 20) Selection process The specific committee will agree upon an award proposal and draw up a prioritized shortlist of candidates who have achieved a minimum of 50 points or declare the call for applications null and void if none of the applicants reach the minimum score. The award proposal will be published in the UB's electronic office and must include the total scores of the candidates that have received a total of at least 90 points. Application Process: According to the specific requirements and selection criteria, the candidates are expected to provide at least the following documents: Full CV Motivation letter Additional comments The candidate proposed for hiring must accept the job offer within 3 working days from the date of notification of the selection. Be aware that the starting date sets in this offer is an estimate date. The official starting date will depend on the time necessary for administration to prepare the labour contract and present the necessary documents for the selected candidate to be hired. Priority will be given to people with disabilities (Law 89/2015 of June 2, reserve of quota 2% in favour of people with disabilities in companies of 50 or more people). Work Location(s) Number of offers available: 1 Company/Institute: Department of Condensed Matter Physics, Faculty of Physics. Country: Spain State/Province: Barcelona City: Barcelona Postal Code: 08028 Street: Carrer Martí i Franqués, 1-11