Postdoc in Generative AI for GPCR-Targeting Therapeutic Design - DTU Bioengineering

Migraine affects more than 15% of the global population and remains inadequately treated despite advances in biologics and receptor-targeting therapies. Emerging computational approaches are transforming how next-generation biologics are discovered and engineered.

We are launching an ambitious research program centered on AI-driven generative protein design to develop GPCR-targeting recombinant minibinders for migraine-associated receptors. The project aims to advance deep learning–based molecular generation and structure-guided design for therapeutic innovation.

We seek a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher with a strong computer science background and demonstrated expertise in deep learning and generative model development to lead the AI component of this initiative.

Responsibilities and qualifications
You will lead the computational and AI-driven aspects of the project. 

Your responsibilities will include:

• Designing and implementing state-of-the-art deep learning architectures for protein generation
• Developing and optimizing generative models for de novo minibinder design
• Integrating structural biology data into AI pipelines for receptor–ligand interaction modeling
• Fine-tuning large protein language models for GPCR-target specificity
• Developing scalable training pipelines using modern ML frameworks
• Benchmarking model performance and implementing evaluation metrics for structure, binding, and stability prediction
• Collaborating closely with experimental researchers for iterative model refinement
• Publishing high-impact research at the intersection of AI and molecular design
• Supervising students contributing to computational model development

The position is primarily computational and AI-driven, with close interdisciplinary collaboration.

Qualifications
We are looking for a candidate who:

• Holds a PhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Computational Biology, or a closely related field
• Has strong theoretical and practical experience in deep learning
• Has hands-on experience developing generative models
• Is highly proficient in PyTorch and/or JAX
• Has experience training large-scale neural networks on HPC or GPU clusters
• Has experience with representation learning and sequence or structural modeling
• Has a strong publication record in relevant AI/ML venues or interdisciplinary journals
• Demonstrates the ability to work independently and drive technical innovation

It will be considered an advantage if you have:

• Experience with protein language models (e.g., ESM, ProtT5)
• Experience with structure prediction frameworks
• Experience in geometric deep learning or graph neural networks
• Familiarity with computational drug discovery or molecular modeling
• Experience with MLOps, reproducibility pipelines, or scalable AI systems

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent). 

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility. 

Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The period of employment is 3 years. 

Starting date is 1 May 2026, or according to mutual agreement. The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information 
Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Timothy P. Jenkins (tpaje@dtu.dk)

You can read more about DTU Bioengineering at www.bioengineering.dtu.dk 

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 16 March 2026 (23:59 Danish time).

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications 

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

The Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (DTU Bioengineering) is an international leader in the areas of biotechnology and biomedicine. Our engineering approach to all aspects of biotechnology and biomedicine positions us as a valuable player with unique competences in a growing bio-based economy and with health systems transforming towards personalized medicine. We have a clear focus on the needs in the life science- and biotech industries and point towards innovation, new businesses, and scientific services for the benefit of society. The department has extensive collaborations with national and international research units and industry. DTU Bioengineering has approx. 400 employees, of which 2/3 are scientific staff. The department is located at DTU Lyngby Campus.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.