Our lab integrates machine learning, structural biology, chemical proteomics, and biophysical assays to identify novel drug-binding sites across challenging protein targets. This position focuses on uncovering cryptic and previously undruggable sites in the human proteome and designing ligands using data-driven and generative modeling approaches.
The position is based in the Department of Chemistry at Boğaziçi University, a leading research institution with a strong interdisciplinary environment. The lab is currently establishing new computational and experimental capabilities, and the candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to shaping early-stage research directions.
Seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join a multidisciplinary research program focused on AI-driven drug discovery and computational chemical biology. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of machine-learning approaches for therapeutic target discovery and de novo small-molecule design.
Responsibilities
• Develop machine learning models for protein structure and chemical compound analysis
• Identify novel drug-binding pockets using structural and chemical proteomics datasets
• Build and apply generative models (e.g., diffusion, graph-based, or transformer-based) for de novo molecule design
• Integrate protein structural features into predictive and generative workflows
• Collaborate with experimental teams to support target validation and chemical probe development
• Contribute to manuscripts, conference presentations, and collaborative research projects
Qualifications
Required :
• MSc or BSc in Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Cheminformatics, or a related field
• Strong programming skills (Python is required)
• Background in machine learning or data science
• Interest in structural biology and drug discovery
Preferred:
• Experience with molecular modeling, protein structures, or cheminformatics tools (e.g., BioPython, RDKit)
• Familiarity with deep learning frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow)
• Exposure to interdisciplinary environments combining biology, chemistry, and computation
Why Join Our Lab
• Work at the interface of AI, structural biology, and drug discovery
• Contribute to identifying novel therapeutic targets in the human proteome
• Collaborate with experimental and computational researchers
• Access to high-performance computing infrastructure
• Opportunities for high-impact publications and international collaborations
Research Environment
The lab operates in a highly interdisciplinary setting, combining computational modeling, chemical synthesis, and experimental validation to enable rapid design–make–test cycles in drug discovery.
Location : Boğaziçi University, Istanbul, Türkiye
Start date : Fall 2026 (flexible)
Application
Interested candidates should send their CV and/or informal transcript to: fettah.erdogan@bogazici.edu.tr
Institutional Statement
Boğaziçi University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive research environment and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
Last Date : 30th April 2026
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