Postdoc position in Computational Protein Design for Gene Therapy

Where

This is a full-time in-person position at the Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), located in Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy. More info at www.tigem.it

When

June /July 2026

What

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our growing and highly interactive Computational Structural Biology group, working in close collaboration with experimental and translational teams. The candidate will employ state‑of‑the‑art AI‑based Protein Design methods and Molecular Dynamics simulations to support the design of enhanced Immunoglobulin G‑degrading enzymes (Ide) within the context of the EU‑funded project AAVolution. These enzymes represent a potential pre‑treatment to eliminate pre‑existing Adeno‑associated virus (AAV) neutralizing antibodies in patients, thereby enabling higher vector transduction efficiency and the potential re‑administration of AAV therapies.

Salary

Salary will be determined according to TIGEM postdoctoral salary scales and adjusted based on the candidate's prior experience.

• PhD obtained no later than the application deadline
• Expert with Python programming language and Linux‑based operating systems
• Expert with computational protein design (e.g., Rosetta, ProteinMPNN, RFDiffusion, etc.) and/or advanced molecular dynamics methods (e.g., steered MD, metadynamics, MM/PBSA, etc.)
• Ability to work independently towards achieving the goals of the project
• Ability to communicate effectively with researchers from different fields

Desirable (but not essential)

• Expert in machine learning and deep learning method development
• PhD obtained within the last three years before the application deadline

What we offer

• A collaborative, international environment at the forefront of basic and translational research in rare genetic diseases.
• Robust computational infrastructure with access to high‑performance computing resources, including CPU clusters and GPU‑accelerated nodes.
• A clearly defined translational project within the AAVolution framework, combined with substantial methodological freedom to explore, develop, and implement new computational approaches aligned with project goals.

How to Apply

If you are willing to contribute to the development of new technologies for AAV‑based therapies, please send your CV and a motivational letter to Dr. Andrea Pasquadibisceglie at:
[email protected]

Application Deadline: May 22nd , 2026

About TIGEM

The Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM) is a leading research institute dedicated to the study of genetic diseases. Located in Pozzuoli (NA, Italy), TIGEM is committed to advancing scientific knowledge and translating research findings into therapeutic solutions. TIGEM does not discriminate based on sex, race, gender orientation, sexuality, or disability. The selection committee for this role encourages applicants from all backgrounds and will consider all applications equally irrespective of the aforementioned characteristics.

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