Postdoctoral position in Deep learning based design of protein-semiconductor metamaterials

Description of the workplace

The Saragovi Lab at Lund University is part of the Division of Applied Biochemistry within the Department of Chemistry. The long-reaching scientific endeavor of the Saragovi Lab is to develop and apply a combined computational, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and high throughput experimental approach to systematically infer protein-semiconductor hierarchies materials and design de novo hierarchical architectures with atomic precision. The postdoctoral project aims to design de novo proteins that self-assemble into defined architectures and guide the formation of semiconductor materials with sub-nanometer precision. The position is part of a highly interdisciplinary collaboration between the Departments of Chemistry and Physics, combining expertise in protein design, biochemistry, and semiconductor physics. The research will be conducted at the Division of Applied Biochemistry, in close collaboration with groups at the Center for Molecular Protein Science (CMPS) and semiconductor characterization teams within NanoLund. The Saragovi Lab currently includes several master’s students, and research interns, and will expand with additional postdocs and PhD students early 2026. The laboratory is physically located at Kemicentrum in Lund and is also part of the vibrant NanoLund environment, which brings together more than 400 researchers across disciplines. The collaboration provides access to substantial computational resources (GPU nodes), advanced high-throughput instruments (including a FACS, mass photometer, ITC, SPR, and others), and state-of-the-art characterization tools such as high-resolution TEM, ellipsometry, and clean-room facilities. These combined resources enable a strong computational–experimental feedback loop central to the project.

Subject description

Recent breakthroughs in deep learning–powered protein design, recognized by the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, have enabled the creation of proteins with near-atomic accuracy. Models such as RFdiffusion, LigandMPNN, and hallucination-based frameworks can now generate symmetric oligomers, cages, and backbones while optimizing sequence properties. An emerging frontier focuses on designing proteins that act as templates for inorganic interfaces, forming symmetric oligomers that control inorganic material polymorph, facet composition, and geometry. This project aims to establish the first design framework for programmable, functional protein–semiconductor metamaterials, contributing to a broader vision of sustainable biofabrication of (opto-)electronic nanotechnology.

Work duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position includes the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning. The purpose of the position is to develop the independence as a researcher and to create the opportunity of further development.

Detailed description of the work duties, such as:

• Developing computational protein design pipelines to enable the design of: (1) volumes – symmetric or Janus assemblies that encapsulate defined voids;  (2) interfaces – templates and catalytic motifs that direct the controlled formation of target semiconductor materials within confined spaces;  (3) pores – structures that regulate the selective entry of metal species into nanocompartments; and (4) inert surfaces – outer assemblies that remain stable in supersaturated solutions.
  
  
• Performing high-throughput expression and screening of designed proteins to experimentally assess their structural and functional quality.
  
  
• Conducting experimental characterization of hybrid soft–hard hierarchical materials to evaluate their assembly, functionality, and semiconductor properties.
  
  
• Collaborating closely with research teams in CMPS and NanoLund, integrating expertise from chemistry, biophysics, and semiconductor materials science.
  
  
• Contributing to grant applications and seeking additional external research funding as part of personal academic development (the project if fully funded).
  
  
• Carrying out administrative tasks related to the research activities described above.

Qualification requirements

Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position. The certificate proving the qualification requirement is met, must be received before the employment decision is made. Priority will be given to candidates who have graduated no more than three years ago before the last day for application. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

•  A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• You have a PhD in biochemistry, biophysics, chemistry, computational biology, or a related field.
• You have very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• You have a solid coding foundation and comfortable developing and maintaining computational protein design pipelines.
• You have basic experience in biochemical laboratory work.
• You have the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary and scientifically demanding research environment.
• You have an openness to learn and apply new computational and experimental methods.
• Passion in dedicating to working on hard design problems

Additional requirements:

• It is an additional qualification if you have extended knowledge of inorganic and organic chemistry.
• It is an additional qualification if you have experience in deep learning model development or computational protein design.
• It is an additional qualification if you have experience integrating experimental and computational workflows.
• It is an additional qualification if you have experience supervising or mentoring students.

Assessment criteria

This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers. Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Teaching skills.

Other qualifications:

• Strong ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary and scientifically demanding environment.
• Demonstrated openness to learning and applying new computational and experimental methods.
• Passion and dedication to working in a demanding project
• Very good oral and written communication skills in English.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, perform, and communicate high-quality research in relevant scientific areas.
• Documented experience corresponding to a PhD in biochemistry, biophysics, chemistry, computational biology, or a related discipline.
• solid coding foundation and understanding of protein design pipeline
• knowledge of computational pipelines for protein design an advantage.
• Extended knowledge of inorganic and organic chemistry relevant to hybrid material design an advantage. 
• Significant experience of developing deep learning methods using computational frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow etc an advantage.
• Experience in supervising or mentoring students or contributing to team-based research training an advantage

Consideration will also be given to how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme.

This position provides a unique opportunity to develop cutting-edge skills at the intersection of protein design, AI, and semiconductor nanoscience—one of the most promising and rapidly evolving areas in science and engineering. The postdoctoral researcher will join a multidisciplinary and highly collaborative environment, working closely with experts in protein design, biochemistry, and semiconductor physics across NanoLund and the Center for Molecular Protein Science (CMPS). You will be part of an ambitious and dynamic research team exploring new frontiers in programmable protein–semiconductor materials, combining computational modeling, high-throughput experimentation, and advanced characterization techniques. The position offers substantial opportunities for scientific growth, international networking, and career development, including support for developing independent research ideas and applying for external funding.

Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University. https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/about-university/work-lund-university

Further information

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of 3 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”).

How to apply

Applications shall be written in English. The application should include a CV and a personal letter justifying your interest in the position and how it matches your qualifications. The application should also include a degree certificate or equivalent and any other document to which you would like to draw attention (copies of grade transcripts, details of referees, letters of recommendation, etc.)”  

Welcome to apply!