MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship intrinsically disordered proteins: dynamis and interactions

Position: MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship on intrinsically disordered proteins: dynamis and interactions
Organisation / Company Università degli Studi di Verona Department Department of Biotechnology Is the Hosting related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Prof. Michael Assfalg at the Department of Biotechnologyof Università degli Studi di Verona (Italy)  invites scholars to present expressions of interest in applying for a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships (MSCA-PF) on Molecular recognition in protein interactions involving intrinsic disorder

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) and proteins containing intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) sample a wide range of conformations, enabling transient, multivalent interactions. They often form “fuzzy” complexes that remain partially disordered even in the bound state. Structural flexibility is crucial for processes such as signaling, transcription, and the formation of biomolecular condensates.

Their characterization is challenging because traditional structural biology methods favor stable, well-defined structures and are limited in their ability to capture heterogeneity and dynamics. Techniques such as NMR, SAXS, and computational ensemble modeling are therefore essential for capturing their conformational landscapes. Describing these systems is important because it reveals how dynamic interactions achieve specificity and regulation, providing key insights into cellular function and disease mechanisms.

Hosting research group / Supervisor
We are looking for applicants for a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship to be presented with our Department of Biotechnology as main host institution.

The group of Prof. Assfalg has extensive experience in characterizing conformational ensembles of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) and their interactions with protein partners, including ubiquitination-related enzymes, as well as interactions driving heterotypic condensate formation involving tau, synuclein, and RNA. We employ a range of biophysical techniques, including SAXS, NMR, and native mass spectrometry, complemented by calorimetry, fluorescence microscopy, TEM, and CD spectroscopy.

We are particularly interested in understanding molecular recognition in dynamic interactions and how these processes are perturbed in disease or modulated by small-molecule therapeutics.

Selected candidates will be offered both academic and administrative support from the Department of Biotechnology and the University of Verona Grant Office with regards to the proposal preparation.

ELIGIBILITY
Candidates must be eligible according to the criteria established by the 2026 MSCA Postdoctoral fellowship call:

To have a PhD at the call)

To have up to 8 years research experience after PhD

To be citizens of an EU State or of an Associated Country or long-term resident in Europe (only for Global Fellowship)

Not to have resided or carried their main activity in Italy for more than 12 in the 36 months before call) – for European Fellowship

Not to have resided or carried their main activity in the country of the Host Institution in the third country for more than 12 in the 36 months before call) – for a Global Fellowship.

Besides, candidates should be fluent in English, should have excellent teamwork attitude, organizational skills and ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment.

A short CV including personal data (name, date of birth, present position, the name of a referee who has agreed to send a reference letter for you

A two-page research proposal

One reference letter should be sent by a referee at the same address

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