5 Jan 2026
Job Information
- Organisation/Company
Universite de Montpellier- Department
Human Resources- Research Field
Physics » Computational physics
Physics » Statistical physics- Researcher Profile
Recognised Researcher (R2)- Positions
PhD Positions- Country
France- Application Deadline
31 Jan 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Paris)- Type of Contract
Temporary- Job Status
Full-time- Hours Per Week
38- Offer Starting Date
1 Feb 2026- Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?
Other EU programme- Reference Number
2026-R0099- Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?
No
Offer Description
Work environment:
This project is part of an INSERM-PCSI programme conducted in collaboration with the IRMB (INSERM–CHU Saint-Éloi), the IBMM (UM–CNRS) and the L2C (UM–CNRS), which is the host laboratory. The candidate will benefit from the expertise in numerical simulation and bioinformatics available at the L2C and the IBMM. The IBMM will produce the initial glycoproteins for calculations using metadynamics methods. The numerical protocol will be set up on local machines, and data production will be carried out on national supercomputers (CINES, IDRIS). The results of the calculations will then be compared with experiments performed at the IBMM.
Main mission) :
Our collaborators at the IRMB (UM–CHU Saint-Éloi) have recently discovered that mutations in monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) increase the duration of their binding to the CD16 receptor expressed by natural killer (NK) cells from a few minutes to several weeks. The role of NK cells within the immune system is to destroy virus-infected cells and eliminate early signs of cancer.
To try to understand the origin of this increased efficiency in mAb–CD16 binding, we have undertaken molecular dynamics calculations. The mission of the recruited researcher will be to develop a protocol based on metadynamics in order to numerically estimate the dissociation constants observed experimentally. The calculations will be applied both locally at the level of interacting residues and at the scale of the mAb–CD16 complexes.
Activités (Activities) :
Classical and hybrid classical/quantum molecular dynamics applied to glycoproteins. Development of a protocol using metadynamics to probe rare events. Estimation of dissociation pathways and free energies of dissociation of the complexes, and comparison with experimental data. The candidate will work in close collaboration with the bioinformaticians at IBMM and will act as a bridge between the simulation specialists and the experimentalists within the consortium.
Where to apply
bernard.hehlen@umontpellier.fr
Requirements
- Research Field
- Physics
- Education Level
- PhD or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
We are looking for a researcher with strong experience in statistical physics applied to molecular modelling. The candidate must have solid expertise in modelling biomolecular systems, with an excellent command of the GROMACS and AMBER codes. Extensive experience with hybrid classical/quantum (QM/MM) methods, as well as with metadynamics-based approaches, will be highly valued.
- Research Field
- Physics
Additional Information
Selection process
Send your CV by email at bernard.hehlen@umontpellier.fr and before Januray 31st, 2026.
Work Location(s)
- Number of offers available
- 1
- Company/Institute
- Laboratoire Charles Coulomb (L2C)
- Country
- France
- City
- Montpellier
- Postal Code
- 34000
- Geofield
Contact
- City
Montpellier- Website
http://www.umontpellier.fr/- Street
163 rue Auguste Broussonnet- Postal Code
34000
bernard.hehlen@umontpellier.fr
STATUS: EXPIRED
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