Postdoctoral Position in HIV-1 RNA Structural Biology and Antiviral Drug Discovery

Posted on September 9th, 2025

The postdoctoral associate will be engaged in a research project funded by the PROMETEO program of Generalitat Valenciana, Spain, and focused on the study of the conformational dynamics of the Rev Recognition Element (RRE) in the HIV-1 RNA and the discovery of antiviral small-molecule agents blocking the complex between this motif and the Rev protein. A consortium of structural biology, chemistry and virology laboratories at Catholic University of Valencia, University of Barcelona and the IrsiCaixa and ISCIII research institutes in Spain will use state-of-the-art in vitro and in-cell techniques to achieve these goals. HIV/AIDS remains one of the leading contributors to the global burden of disease, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
 
The successful candidate will work in the laboratory led by José Gallego at Catholic University of Valencia, Spain (https://portalcientifico.ucv.es/en/ipublic/researcher/325518) and will apply single-molecule experiments, fluorescence screening, RNA footprinting and computational methods to study the atomic structure and dynamics of the RRE, identify new antiviral candidates and guide the optimization process.
The publication list and research interests of this laboratory can also be found at:
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jose_Gallego8;
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0627-6927.
 
•Who can apply: a Ph.D. degree is required, as well as significant experience in at least two of the following areas:
-Structural Biology
-Characterization of biomolecule-small molecule interactions using biophysical techniques
-Molecular Biology and Biochemistry methods for RNA and/or protein sample production and characterization
 
A good command of English, the ability to work independently and as part of a team, and good oral and written communication skills are desirable.
 
•Conditions: depending on performance the position will be available for up to 3.5 years, with a gross annual salary of approximately €36,412. Starting date: November 3rd, 2025 or earlier. The candidate will have the opportunity to supervise undergraduate students in the laboratory.
 
•How to apply: applications should include a cover letter describing previous research experience and career goals, CV with publication list, academic records, and at least two reference letters. In the publication list, please mark the two most relevant articles, briefly explaining your contribution and why they are important for your application. Please send applications to José Gallego ([email protected]) before September 30th 2025.