CADD senior scientist with Structural Bioinformatics expertise

Confo Therapeutics is the only GPCR company with a discovery engine that precisely targets desired GPCR conformations. This unique capability allows us to unlock a vast untapped potential for the discovery and development of breakthrough medicines. We are advancing a robust pipeline of large and small molecules focused on validated targets in endocrine and metabolic diseases, as well as addressing a broader array of critical unmet medical needs in collaboration with our partners. Our team of around 60 people is dedicated to advancing our technology, expanding our capabilities, and building out our pipeline in order to achieve the best possible therapeutic outcomes for patients.

Confo Therapeutics is located on the Technology Park in Ghent. More information about Confo’s technology and strategy can be found on www.confotherapeutics.com.

For the expansion of our Computer-aided Drug Discovery (CADD) and Informatics function in Ghent we are currently looking for a:
CADD senior scientist with Structural Bioinformatics expertise

Role Overview 

Confo Therapeutics is seeking a motivated and experienced computational scientist who will ensure the judicious development and application of state-of-the-art Computer-Aided Drug Discovery approaches to successfully drive small-molecule and biologics projects, from target identification through to candidate selection.

You will join a creative team and have the opportunity to champion innovative computational approaches to evolve the frontiers of our leading-edge infrastructure. This is a tremendous opportunity to do meaningful work in an innovative and exciting environment.

Role responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

• Develop Confo’s CADD function;

• Deliver strategic and scientific guidance to help advance small molecule and biologics therapeutic projects to critical decision-making milestones, working in close collaboration with cross-function representatives;

• Provide hands-on support to drive target tractability assessments, protein design, and biologics discovery projects from hit identification through to candidate selection using (structural) bioinformatics, molecular modelling and machine learning approaches to deliver solutions in line with project needs, timelines and priorities;

• Drive the introduction and adoption of transformational computational AI solutions to enhance our drug discovery and development capabilities;

• Proactively and positively support team members to realize challenging goals and development aspirations;

• Effectively communicate upon the strategy to scientific/technical experts as well as non-experts.

• Hold a relevant PhD, ideally with 3 years of experience in relevant areas of research including structural bioinformatics/biology or computational biophysics/chemistry, statistics, machine learning, computer science or related discipline;

• Expertise using (structural) bioinformatics approaches to drive biologics discovery and development programs;

• Expertise using AI-based protein structure prediction methods such as AlphaFold and derivatives thereof, as well homology modelling software to build quality structural models to guide structure-based drug design and/or protein engineering;

• A strong foundation in small molecule drug discovery and development with a demonstrated track record of success in the application of structure-/ligand-/fragment-based drug design, virtual screening or computational-driven lead optimisation in drug discovery programs;

• Significant experience performing and analysing molecular dynamics simulations (preferably on membrane protein systems);

• You have excellent communication skills and can effectively collaborate with internal and external stakeholders/collaborators;

Preferred requirements

• Industry experience modelling membrane protein (especially GPCR) targets, and complexes thereof, is desirable;

• A good appreciation of cryo-EM data analyses techniques would be advantageous;

• Strong organizational capabilities.

Our offer

• A competitive compensation package with extensive benefits;

• The chance to continuously grow as a professional, with exposure to all aspects of R&D in the company;

• A job where you can make the difference;

• An entrepreneurial and stimulating working environment in a growing and ambitious biotech company.