The group of Dr. Guillaume Diss at the Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI) aims to study the genetic architecture of protein function — specifically, how the sequence of a protein determines its function.
Protein-protein interactions are essential for most biological functions, and understanding how the sequence of interacting proteins determines the affinity and specificity of these interactions is crucial. This understanding will improve our ability to predict the functional impact of genetic variation and enable the design of new synthetic proteins for therapeutic or bioengineering applications.
Recent advances in artificial intelligence and generative biology have paved the way for such developments. However, training deep-learning models to predict affinity from sequence requires vast amounts of data that capture the wide and complex genetic landscape of protein-protein interaction affinity.
Our lab has developed and optimized a deep mutational scanning approach, deep PCA, which allows us to quantitatively measure the affinity of millions of interactions variants. We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to leverage this rich dataset and train the next generation of generative models capable of predicting protein-protein interaction affinity from sequence data.
In this role, you will:

• Lead independent research projects.
• Collaborate with other team members and work closely with the Zenke lab (our experts in AI) and the Computational Biology facility to analyze the data generated and develop thermodynamically-inspired deep-learning models.
• Contribute to scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals.

About you

• You hold a Ph D in Biology, Physics, Computational Sciences, or a related field.
• You have experience in deep learning and a solid background in biophysics and thermodynamics.
• You have a strong publication record.
• You can communicate clearly and effectively in English and enjoy working collaboratively in a team.

What we offer

• A competitive compensation and benefit package.
• Opportunities to participate in workshops and training sessions to learn new techniques.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities in computational biology, mathematical modelling, genomics, proteomics, structural biology, microscopy, and more.
• A vibrant, international, and multidisciplinary environment that strives to be inclusive to people from diverse backgrounds.
• A friendly, supportive and competent team.

Please submit your application electronically at www.fmi.ch/opening. Be sure to include:

• A motivation letter
• Your CV
• The names and contact details of 3 referees

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. For further information, please contact Dr. Guillaume Diss (guillaume.diss@fmi.ch).
About the FMI
The FMI is a world-class biomedical research institute affiliated with the University of Basel and the Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research. With an international staff of about 330 people, including more than 170 postdoctoral fellows and graduate students, the FMI is focused on fundamental research in the fields of genome regulation, multicellular systems and neurobiology. The institute is located in the vibrant city of Basel, the third largest city in Switzerland and the leading European hub for the life sciences, conveniently situated at the borders with France and Germany.
At the FMI, diversity is the cornerstone of innovation and collaboration. We foster an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and contribute meaningfully. We welcome applicants of all genders, cultures, ethnicities, and demographics who can complement our existing team. Join us in building a scientific community that represents and benefits the world we study.