Structural Biologist

Confo Therapeutics is the only GPCR company with a discovery engine that precisely targets the 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 small molecules and antibody-based therapeutics 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 50 people is dedicated to advancing our technology, expanding our capabilities, and building out our pipeline to achieve the best possible therapeutic outcomes for patients.

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

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual structural biologist to join our Protein Science team.

You will be involved in multiple exciting projects on the structural studies of GPCR complex with small molecules or biologics. This position offers a unique and exciting opportunity to work as a structural biologist in industry and make significant impact on the applications of ConfoStructure® towards cutting-edge GPCR drug discovery.

• Conduct laboratory-based research to develop optimal strategies for constructs design, purifying, characterizing GPCR targets, integrating key steps in gene-to-structure Confo-workflow

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including molecular engineering, medicinal chemistry, CADD (Computer-Aided Drug Design), and de novo antibody discovery, to support structure-based drug discovery for GPCR targets

• Leverage advanced techniques such as cryo-EM or crystallography to resolve GPCR structures in both active and inactive states, enabling the development of proprietary compounds for structure-based drug design

• Stay engaged with state-of-the-art advancements in structural biology, particularly in GPCR applications, and actively foster innovation within team-driven structural biology initiatives

Your profile

• PhD or equivalent in a relevant field, with a minimum of 2-year experience in biotech or pharmaceutical companies

• Experience with GPCR or membrane protein constructs design and expressions in insect and mammalian cells

• Proven track record in GPCR purification and structural elucidation, showcasing expertise in this critical area of drug discovery

• Extensive hands-on experience across the full single-particle cryo-EM workflow, including protein vitrification, high-resolution structure determination of integral membrane proteins, and adept use of tools such as CryoSPARC, RELION, ChimeraX, Phenix, and Coot for data processing, electron density mapping, and model building

• Advanced skills in using AlphaFold and similar computational platforms for protein design, structure prediction via homology modeling, molecular dynamics simulations, and protein-ligand docking is a plus

• Expertise in GPCR characterization methods, including fluorescence/analytical-SEC, thermostability assays, ITC, ligand binding studies, and G protein activation, complemented by hands-on experience with biophysical technologies like thermal shift assays or DSF, DLS, GCI or SPR

• A results-driven, team-oriented professional with a strong collaborative mindset, adept at both contributing to and leading projects in a dynamic, fast-paced environment

• Fluent in English, with excellent communication skills to effectively convey complex scientific findings to interdisciplinary teams and key organizational stakeholders

Our offer:

• A competitive compensation package with extensive benefits

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

• Opportunities for further professional education and development