Postdoctoral Researcher – Next-gen sequencing for machine-learning guided directed evolution

Are you passionate about interfacing state-of-the-art sequencing techniques with deep learning approaches to accelerate the directed evolution of tailor-made (bio)catalysts and drugs? Supported by the Machine-Learning Guided Directed Evolution (ML-GUIDE) consortium, we are offering a fully funded Postdoctoral Researcher position at the University of Groningen.

What are you going to do?

Evolution is an all-purpose problem solver, which researchers mimic in the laboratory to engineer tailor-made (bio)molecules that aid us in combating diseases and in realizing a sustainable economy. While effective, such directed evolution campaigns are not only laborious and time-consuming but also cover only a miniscule fraction of the unimaginably large sequence space available. As a result, means to guide evolutionary trajectories along a biomolecule’s fitness landscape are sought-after, as they could greatly accelerate evolutionary searches.

Within the framework of the recently funded ML-GUIDE project, we aim to make directed evolution guidable and, ultimately, predictable by machine learning. In your role, you will be leading next-generation and third-generation sequencing campaigns to expedite the design of high-affinity binders that engage with therapeutic targets or efficient (bio)catalysts for synthetic applications. Your contributions in data generation and valorization will be crucial to establish accelerated Design-Build-Test-Learn cycles to continuously improve models via active learning and guide evolutionary trajectories toward promising but otherwise inaccessible sequence spaces.

You will be embedded in the research groups of Prof. Clemens Mayer (https://mayerlab.nl/), who leads the Molecular Evolution Group at the University of Groningen. As part of the ML-GUIDE team, you will closely collaborate with the groups of Prof. Francesca Grisoni (https://molecularmachinelearning.com/) and Dr. Robert Pollice (https://pollicegroup.web.rug.nl/) to use the power of sequencing for common aspects of engineering biomolecules for diverse applications!

We are looking for creative, motivated, and determined candidates, who meet the following requirements:

• A PhD degree (or an equivalent university degree) in (Bio)chemistry, Bioinformatics, Synthetic Chemistry/Biology or a related field;
• Hands-on experience in preparation and analysis of next-generation sequencing libraries in the field of directed evolution.
• First-hand experience with third-generation sequencing technologies or interfacing sequencing data with machine-learning is a plus.
• A proven publication record showcasing your ability to produce high-quality research published in international, peer-reviewed journals
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English
• Experience supervising BSc/MSc/PhD students is an advantage.
• A proactive and motivated approach to identifying research opportunities and contributing to the success of the project and team.

• 232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38-hour workweek (1.0 FTE). You can also work more or fewer hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours. For example, with a 40-hour workweek, you save 96 extra free hours, and with a 36-hour workweek, you lose 96 hours.
• End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance.
• Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.

The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) provides teaching and research across a wide range of disciplines, from physics and biology to artificial intelligence, mechanical engineering, and pharmacy. In close collaboration with partners from industry, healthcare, and society, we contribute to the urgent challenges of our time, such as energy, sustainability, digitization, and medical technology. Our community is open and informal, with more than 7,000 students, 1,000 PhD students, and 1,400 staff members from all over the world. If you would like to learn more about the Faculty of Science and Engineering, visit rug.nl/fse. 

The University of Groningen is a research university, currently in or around the top 100 on several influential ranking lists. The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) is the largest faculty within the University, offering first-rate education and research in a wide range of science and engineering disciplines. The mission of the Stratingh Institute for Chemistry is to perform excellent research and teaching in molecular and supramolecular chemistry. Core activities in the chemical sciences such as bioorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, molecular inorganic chemistry and molecular materials chemistry are embedded in the institute. The research programme is focused on synthesis, catalysis, functional materials, bio-organic chemistry/chemical biology and systems chemistry/complex molecular systems. The Mayer group tackles scientific and societal challenges with innovative molecular evolution approaches. We aspire to employ selections for the creation of made-to-order biomolecules and to obtain a molecular understanding of the underlying evolutionary processes. The group pursues two ambitious research goals: (1) to utilize continuous evolution to engineer efficient biocatalysts and map their structure-function relationships; and (2) to interface synthetic chemistry with phage display protocols to select natural product-like macrocyclic peptides that combine the favorable traits of small-molecule and peptide-based drugs.

Do you want to join our team? If yes, please upload the following documents to complete your application:

• A letter stating your motivation to apply and your key qualities relevant for this position.
• An up-to-date curriculum vitae with a full list of publications.
• Diplomas (BSs, Msc, and PhD (if available)).
• Contact information of threetwo academic references.

Do you have any questions or need more information?

Questions about the content of the job?
Clemens Mayer (Associate Professor): C.Mayer@rug.nl

Questions about your application process?
Clemens Mayer (Associate Professor): C.Mayer@rug.nl