MUJ-Post Doctoral Fellowship

A Post-Doctoral Fellowship (PDF) position is available at the Protein Engineering & Translational Neuroscience Laboratory (ProTEN), Centre of Health & Therapeutics Research, Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ). The postdoctoral researcher will work on the computational design of mini-protein binders against fibrillar protein aggregates associated with neurodegenerative diseases.

Qualification
PhD in :
• Bioinformatics
• Computational Biology
• Structural Biology
• Computational Biophysics
• Or a closely related field

Desirable Experience / Background
• Computational structural biology and protein structure analysis
• Enhanced sampling methods and metadynamics
• Free-energy calculations and conformational landscape analysis
• All-atom and coarse-grained (CG) simulations
• Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures and ensembles of pathological protein aggregates
• Computational modelling of fibrillar protein assemblies
• QM/QM-MM approaches for biomolecular interactions
• Analysis of intrinsically disordered proteins and aggregation-prone systems
• Experience with neurodegeneration-related protein aggregates, e.g., α-synuclein, tau, TDP-43
• Proficiency in Python/R and machine learning/AI approaches for protein structure analysis and design

Desirable
Candidates with :
• A strong publication record in reputed peer-reviewed journals
• Relevant research experience in protein structural biology, protein aggregation, cryo-EM, or related areas

Fellowship Benefits
• Monthly Stipend : ₹70,000
• Contingency Grant: ₹1,00,000 per annum
• Duration : 2–3 years (as per MUJ guidelines)

Recruitment and Selection Process
a) MUJ will invite applications from eligible candidates throughout the year, as announced on its official website.
b) Candidates must apply online using the prescribed format, accompanied by: - Recommendation letters from two referees - Copies of academic and research credentials - A statement of purpose (minimum 500 words).
c) All applications will be reviewed and evaluated by a selection committee. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview, which will be conducted once a month during the first week, subject to the availability of expert panel members.
d) The MUJ PDF Selection Committee will consist of the following members: Pro President – Chairperson Dean RIAA Concerned Academic Dean Concerned Associate Dean Concerned HoDs Prospective Supervisors Director Research – Member Secretary.
e) The committee will evaluate candidates based on academic and research credentials, publication record and proposed research area.
f) Selected candidates will receive a formal letter of award from MUJ.

Progress Reports and Expected Outcomes
a) Each Post-Doctoral Fellow (PDF) will be assigned a supervisor who will monitor both research progress and administrative compliance.
b) Fellows must submit a quarterly progress report to the supervisor outlining research activities.
c) These reports, along with feedback from the supervisor and Head of Department (HOD), will be submitted to the Directorate of Research (DoR) for evaluation.
d) Fellows are expected to publish or have accepted at least two (2) research papers Q1/Q2 journals, by the end of the fellowship.
e) All outcomes such as research findings, publications, monographs, patents, etc. must be affiliated with and remain the intellectual property of MUJ.
f) Wherever relevant, fellows should also explore opportunities for technology transfer.

Leave : Fellows are eligible for annual paid leave in accordance with the university’s research scholar regulations.

How to Apply
Interested candidates should share their :
• Statement of Research
• CV
ankit.srivastava@jaipur.manipal.edu
The CV, educational certificates, publication list and relevant documents should be uploaded as per the instructions.