Predoctoral Researcher - Machine Learning Protein-Glycan Recognition

The Biological Chemistry and Biotechnology Group at IQS, Universitat Ramon Llull (Barcelona, Spain) invites applications for a PhD position in machine learning for biomolecular recognition, starting as soon as possible.

Our research aims to uncover and reprogram the molecular principles that govern protein–carbohydrate interactions and enzyme catalysis
. We integrate structural bioinformatics, molecular modeling, and artificial intelligence to study biomolecular recognition and to design enzymes with biomedical and biotechnological applications.

The group is embedded in the IQS Department of Bioengineering
, a multidisciplinary environment at the interface of biomedicine, chemistry, nanotechnology and biotechnology
, and maintains active collaborations with leading international partners.

This project will develop deep learning architectures to predict protein–glycan binding interfaces and specificities
, integrating structural and sequence information.

• Integration of structural, sequence, and biophysical features of carbohydrate recognition proteins.
• Development of deep learning architectures for protein-glycan interface prediction.
• Collaboration with experimental partners for validation.

• Full-time PhD contract (funded position).
• Access to state-of-the‑art computational infrastructure and collaborative projects.
• International research opportunities
  , including short stays at partner institutions.
• Mentoring, professional development, and integration into a dynamic interdisciplinary environment in Barcelona.

• Funding: This position is fully funded through a research grant (3–4 years, full-time contract).