Dear all,

There is a vacancy for a PhD studentship in my group, please see details below.

Best wishes,

Julien

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Applications are invited for a PhD studentship in the Michel lab
(http://www.julienmichel.net) in the area of biomolecular simulations
and computer-aided drug design. The EaStCHEM school of Chemistry at
the University of Edinburgh is among the top ranked departments within
the EU.

The prediction of protein-ligand binding affinities is a major goal of
modern computer-aided drug design. Among existing computational
techniques, alchemical free energy methods are currently receiving
considerable interest from the industry to support structure-based
drug design campaigns. However significant obstacles remain before
alchemical free energy methods can be widely applied to the full
breadth of protein-ligand complexes of pharmaceutical interest.

This project will focus on considerably enhancing the efficiency and
scope of alchemical free energy methods for structure-based drug
design problems. This will be achieved by implementing and validating
novel algorithms that substantially decrease the computing time needed
to identify promising ligands among large datasets of putative
drug-like molecules. This project will be carried out in close
collaboration with a leading computational chemistry software company.
This is an exciting opportunity to develop, validate and apply
next-generation computer-aided drug design software and methodologies.
Upon completion of the studentship, the successful applicant will have
gained strong technical expertise in molecular modelling and learned
to work closely with the software and pharmaceutical industry sectors.
This will prepare him or her well for a future career in academia or
industry.

Applicants with an excellent academic record in a
chemistry/biochemistry/physics/high performance computing degree are
encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate will have: strong knowledge
in physical chemistry and/or biophysical chemistry; relevant research
experience; excellent written and oral communication skills;
enthusiasm for rational drug design, computational chemistry and
scientific computing. Previous experience in computer programming
(Python, C++) is desirable but not essential, provided the applicant
is keen to develop skills in this area during the studentship.

Applications will be considered until an excellent candidate has been
identified. Candidates should be UK resident, with or about to obtain
a 2.i or 1st class degree in a relevant discipline.  EU-based
candidates may be considered, provided they demonstrate an outstanding
academic record (within top 5% of your class) and strong
written/spoken English language skills. Exceptional overseas
candidates may be considered, but this studentship only covers stipend
and tuition fees at the UK/EU level.

To apply, please submit initially by email a CV, covering-letter
describing your previous research experience, reasons to apply and
justifying your eligibility, as well as the names and email address of
two referees in pdf format to Dr. Julien Michel
[log in to unmask] Informal enquiries are encouraged.

Formal applications are made through the University's EUCLID system.

http://www.chem.ed.ac.uk/studying/postgraduate-research/applications-and-entry-requirements

The School of Chemistry holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in
recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher
education. The University is a member of the Race Equality Charter and
is a Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champion, actively promoting LGBT
equality. The University has a range of initiatives to support a
family friendly working environment. See our University Initiatives
website for further information. University Initiatives website:
https://www.ed.ac.uk/equality-diversity/help-advice/family-friendly

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Dr. Julien Michel,
Royal Society University Research Fellow
Room 263, School of Chemistry
Joseph Black Building, University of Edinburgh
David Brewster Road
Edinburgh
EH9 3FJ
United Kingdom
phone:   +44 (0)131 650 4797
http://www.julienmichel.net/
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The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in
Scotland, with registration number SC005336.