Mots-Clés
bioinformatics
protein structure
antibody
protein design
protein-protein interactions
integrative modeling
Description
Postdoctoral Position in Integrative Structural Modeling of Antibody–Antigen Interactions
We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join an interdisciplinary european research project focused on structural modeling of antibody-antigen interactions and their optimization for therapeutic applications. The position is funded for 24 months in the team of Raphaël Guerois (AMIG team at I2BC) under a CEA contract. The preferred start date would be April-May 2026.
Scientific Context and Objectives
Antibody-antigen recognition underlies the specificity and efficacy of many modern biotherapeutics. However, the structural determinants of these interactions, particularly their dynamics and cooperativity, remain challenging to resolve using single experimental or computational approaches. The goal of this project is to develop and apply integrative structural modeling strategies to accurately describe antibody-antigen complexes and to leverage these insights for antibody engineering and optimization.
Project Description
The postdoctoral researcher will work on the integration of experimental constraints obtained by our collaborators into structural modeling workflows for antibody-antigen complexes. Experimental data include: Deep Mutational Scanning (DMS), Chemical crosslinking coupled to mass spectrometry (XL-MS), Hydrogen–Deuterium Exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS)
These datasets will be combined with state-of-the-art computational approaches, including artificial intelligence-based structure prediction and classical structural modeling methods to generate and refine structural models of antibody-antigen interfaces.
The resulting models will be exploited to guide the engineering, optimization, and functional improvement of antibodies, with a clear perspective toward therapeutic development.
Methodological Approaches
The project will integrate and benchmark multiple strategies, including:
• AI-driven structure prediction and complex modeling
• Constraint-based and integrative modeling approaches
• Structural analysis of conformational dynamics and interaction hotspots
• Model-guided antibody design and optimization
Close interaction between computational modeling and experimental validation will be a central aspect of the work.
Institutional and Collaborative Environment
The institute offers a highly stimulating and internationally recognized scientific environment at the interface of structural biology, biophysics, computational biology and molecular engineering.
The campus is located within a 5-minute walking distance from the RER B station providing easy access to Paris and the surrounding area.
This project is funded through a European research contract and involves a strong international collaboration. Experimental partners are located in France and Germany, providing access to high-quality biophysical, structural, and mass-spectrometry data. The postdoctoral researcher will interact closely with these partners and participate in regular project meetings at the European level.
Candidate Profile
We are looking for candidates with a strong background in computational biology, structural biology, biophysics or related fields and a demonstrated interest in protein-protein interactions, antibody engineering or integrative modeling. Experience with structural modeling is highly desirable.