Postdoctoral position in HIV-1 antiviral drug discovery

The postdoctoral associate will work in a research project funded by the PROMETEO program of Generalitat Valenciana, Spain, and focused on the discovery of antiviral small-molecule agents blocking the complex between the Rev protein and the Rev Recognition Element in the HIV-1 RNA. This action precludes nuclear export of unspliced or singly-spliced viral transcripts, an essential step in the virus cycle that is not targeted by any of the currently marketed antiretroviral treatments. A consortium of structural biology, chemistry and virology laboratories at Catholic University of Valencia, University of Barcelona and the IrsiCaixa and ISCIII research institutes in Spain will use data-based compound design, chemical syntheses, biochemical and biophysical analyses, and ex vivo and in vivo antiviral assays to achieve this goal. HIV/AIDS remains one of the leading contributors to the global burden of disease, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
 
The successful candidate will work in the laboratory led by José Gallego at Catholic University of Valencia, Spain (https://www.ucv.es) and will apply NMR spectroscopy, fluorescence assays and other biochemical, biophysical and computational methods to characterize RNA-ligand interactions, identify new antiviral candidates and guide the discovery and optimization process.

The publication list and research interests of this laboratory can be found at: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jose_Gallego8;
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0627-6927. Reading of Prado et al., Biochem Pharmacol 156: 68 (2019) and Medina-Trillo et al. Sci Rep 10: 7190 (2020) is recommended.

Who can apply: a Ph.D. degree is required, as well as significant experience in at least two of the following areas:

-Structural Biology, preferably NMR spectroscopy, applied to biomolecules and/or biomolecule complexes
-Characterization of biomolecule-small molecule interactions using fluorescence experiments and other biophysical techniques (e.g. calorimetry)
-Molecular Biology and Biochemistry methods for RNA and/or protein sample production and characterization

A good command of English, the ability to work independently and as part of a team, and good oral and written communication skills are desirable.

Conditions: the position is available for up to 2.5 years with a gross annual salary of approximately €33.620. Starting date: January 31st, 2022 or earlier. The candidate will have the opportunity to supervise undergraduate students in the laboratory.

How to apply: applications should include a cover letter describing previous research experience and career goals, CV with publication list, academic records, and at least two reference letters. In the publication list, please mark the two most relevant articles, briefly explaining your contribution and why they are important for your application. Please send applications to José Gallego (jose.gallego@ucv.es) before December 15th 2021.