Position offered:
One postdoc position in computational biology/structural  bioinformatics is available at the KAUST Catalysis Center, King  Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Saudi Arabia  (http://www.kaust.edu.sa). The position is offered in the group of  Prof. Luigi Cavallo (http://kcc.kaust.edu.sa/Pages/Cavallo.aspx).    The applicant should have a good research expertise in modeling  biological systems, with a specific emphasis on protein-protein  docking, homology modeling, and possibly MD simulations. Since  developing new methods will be part of the job, priority will be given  to candidates with expertise in Python programming.
The ability and interest to pursue challenging, interdisciplinary  problems, and the ability to deliver proof-of-concept results are  essential. Highly motivated individuals with a strong desire to work  in applied research, who are comfortable working in strict  collaboration with colleagues, and are willing to be directly  responsible for their project are encouraged to apply. To have an idea  of the working activity check the papers below:

1. Prediction of homo- and hetero-protein complexes by protein docking  and template-based modeling: a CASP-CAPRI experiment. Proteins 2016.  doi: 10.1002/prot.25007.

2. Higher order structural effects stabilizing the reverse  Watson-Crick Guanine-Cytosine base pair in functional RNAs. Nucleic  Acids Res. 2014, 42, 714.

3. Molecular dynamics characterization of five pathogenic Factor X  mutants associated with decreased catalytic activity. Biochemistry  2014, 53, 6992.

4. Ranking multiple docking solutions based on the conservation of  inter-residue contacts. Proteins 2013, 81, 1571.

5. COCOMAPS: a web application to analyze and visualize contacts at  the interface of biomolecular complexes. Bioinformatics 2011, 27, 2915.

Only applicants with the following qualifications will be considered.
A recent Ph.D. degree in Physics, Chemistry, Biology or a related field.
Experience with protein-protein docking codes
Experience with classic bioinformatics tools, such as sequences  alignment, model building.
Proficiency in at least one programming language, preferably python,  and in shell scripting.
Working experience in compiling and running programs in Linux environment
Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
Good judgment, independency at work, clear sense of purpose, and  accountability.

Appointment, salary and benefits:
The initial appointment is for one year renewable upon mutual  agreement up to three years. Salary is highly competitive, no tax paid  to Saudi Arabia. Benefits include free fully furnished housing, free  high standard medical and dental insurance. The KAUST is located on  the red sea shore, close to Jeddah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  Campus life at the KAUST is western style, vibrant and with impressive  recreational facilities, restaurants, gyms, pools, a private beach  also for wind and kite surf, boats for snorkeling and scuba diving on  the coral reef.

Useful websites:
http://www.kaust.edu.sa
http://kcc.kaust.edu.sa

Contacts:
Applications should include a CV and contact information of at least  two references and should be submitted by email to Prof. Luigi Cavallo  at luigi.cavallo@kaust.edu.sa