Postdoctoral research fellowship – Visualization of hydrogen atoms in carbohydrate binding proteins

This is a 3-year full-time postdoctoral research fellowship in structural biology, focused on advancing single-crystal neutron diffraction methods to visualize hydrogen atoms in carbohydrate-binding proteins (lectins) and their complexes. The project aims to improve the molecular understanding of protein–carbohydrate interactions, which play a key role in infectious processes and innate immunity, and to support structure-based drug and inhibitor design.

The position is based at the Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL) in Grenoble, within the Large-Scale Structures group, under the supervision of Dr Matthew Blakeley, who is responsible for the neutron macromolecular crystallography beamlines LADI and DALI. The research will combine neutron crystallography with complementary structural biology techniques and will benefit from world-class facilities, including deuterated protein production (D-Lab), as well as strong collaborations with IBS, CERMAV, the Glyco@Alps network, and the Partnership for Structural Biology (PSB).

This fellowship is part of the EU Marie Skłodowska-Curie COFUND programme AMBER (Advanced Multiscale Biological Imaging using European Research Infrastructures), coordinated by LINXS. The programme addresses gaps in biological imaging from the molecular to organism level. Around 15 postdoctoral fellows will be recruited in the 2026 call, each for a 36-month contract. Interviews are expected to start in April–May 2026.

Candidate profile

Applicants must hold a PhD in structural biology or chemistry (or have successfully defended their thesis) and have strong expertise in biochemistry and molecular biology, including protein expression, purification and crystallization. Eligibility is limited to researchers with no more than 8 years of postdoctoral experience and who comply with the MSCA mobility rule (no more than 12 months spent in France during the previous 3 years). Candidates must have at least one peer-reviewed publication, strong English communication skills, and the ability to conduct high-quality independent and collaborative research. Experience in neutron and/or X-ray diffraction, structural data analysis, and programming (e.g. Python) is considered an advantage.

Application

Applications must be submitted in English through the AMBER portal and include a Europass CV, a detailed research plan (3–5 pages recommended, max. 10), reference letters, proof of English proficiency, a career development plan, and required ethical documentation. Candidates may apply to up to three projects, submitting a complete application for each.

The AMBER programme offers exceptional scientific training and access to leading European research infrastructures, providing strong career prospects in academia, large-scale facilities, and the health and MedTech sectors.

Link to apply : www.ill-recruits.eu/generator.php?id=2126