Job offer

The project focuses on G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), the receptors neurons use to communicate and the largest family of drug targets in the brain. It addresses how the lipid composition of neuronal membranes, which changes with aging and disease, shapes the way these receptors work. The lab tackles this question with large-scale molecular dynamics simulations. The PhD student will play a key role in bringing AI and machine learning into how these data are analyzed, sampled and interpreted, in collaboration with experimental groups in Europe.

The Brain Signaling and Neurolipids Lab at the Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC, Barcelona) is looking for a PhD student with a strong quantitative background and hands-on experience in machine learning. The position is a 3-year predoctoral contract funded by the Spanish National Research Plan (project PID2025-168430NA-I00)., * A master’s degree (or in the final stage of completing one) in physics, mathematics, chemistry, computer science or a closely related quantitative field

• An excellent academic record in both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees
• Demonstrable knowledge of machine learning and deep learning (e.g., through coursework, a master’s thesis or projects), including practical experience training models
• Strong programming skills in Python and experience with PyTorch or a similar deep-learning framework
• A solid grounding in statistics, linear algebra or statistical physics
• Good command of English

Experience applying machine learning to scientific or molecular data (e.g., graph neural networks, variational autoencoders, generative or latent-space models) will be considered a strong asset. No prior background in biology is required., PhD or equivalent

Languages ENGLISH

• A full-time, 3-year predoctoral contract at IQAC-CSIC, with a gross salary of around EUR 30,000 per year
• Close supervision and hands-on training at the interface between molecular simulation, membrane biophysics and machine learning
• Access to supercomputing facilities and datasets to build and test new machine-learning methods
• Integration into a network of national and international collaborators, with research stays abroad and first-author publications as part of the training plan
• A stimulating work environment in Barcelona, a lively scientific hub on the Mediterranean with a rich cultural life and an excellent quality of life