We are accepting applications for research projects from enthusiastic and motivated scientists with backgrounds in:

• Structural and Chemical Biology
• Bioinformatics and Computer Sciences
• Organic and Medicinal Chemistry
• Biophysical Chemistry
  
  

Join a dynamic team working at the interface of AI and experimental drug discovery!

FOR INTERESTED APPLICANTS, please email your CV and/or informal transcript printout to fettah.erdogan@bogazici.edu.tr

MSc/PhD Trainee – Machine Learning / Bioinformatics for Drug Discovery

We are seeking a highly motivated MSc or PhD student to develop machine-learning methods for therapeutic target discovery and de novo drug design. The project focuses on uncovering novel drug-binding sites within the “undruggable” human proteome and designing small-molecule ligands using structural proteomics and computer-aided drug discovery approaches.

Responsibilities: Develop ML models for protein structure and chemical compound analysis; identify hidden drug-binding pockets using structural and chemical proteomics data; build and apply generative models (e.g., diffusion-, graph-, or transformer-based) for de novo molecule design; integrate protein structural features into predictive and generative workflows; collaborate with chemistry and biophysics teams to support experimental validation.

Requirements: For MSc track, a BSc in Computer Science, Bioinformatics, or a related field; experience with Python and machine learning; interest in structural biology or drug discovery. For the PhD track, BSc or MSc in Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Cheminformatics, or a related field; strong ML and programming background; experience with molecular modeling or RDKit is an asset.

We offer: Access to high-performance computing and compute clusters; close interaction with experimental drug discovery teams; collaborations with international academic and industry partners; opportunities for high-impact publications and conference travel.

Start: Spring 2026

PhD Trainee – Protein Production & Biophysical Validation of Novel Targets

We are lab seeking a PhD student in biochemistry/biophysics to experimentally validate therapeutic targets emerging from our ML discovery platforms.

Responsibilities: Express and purify proteins (including challenging dark-proteome targets), perform chemical proteomics, and characterize ligand–protein interactions using biophysical assays (FP, DSF).

Requirements: BSc or MSc in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biophysics, or related field; hands-on experience with protein production; familiarity with binding assays preferred.

We offer: Access to advanced instrumentation, collaboration with international partners, and opportunities for impactful publications.

Start: Fall 2026 (flexible)

Post-doc Position – Synthetic Organic/Medicinal Chemist

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher with background in organic/medicinal chemistry but with interest to learn and apply new skills in biological and protein chemistry. The post-doc will further help advance ML-designed small-molecule hits toward optimized chemical probes and lead compounds.

Responsibilities: Design and synthesize novel small molecules informed by ML and structural biology; perform protein production, biochemical assaying; conduct SAR and lead-optimization campaigns to improve potency, selectivity, and physicochemical properties; collaborate closely with ML, chemical proteomics, biophysics, and cell biology teams; contribute to iterative design–make–test cycles.

Requirements: PhD in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or related field; strong track record in small-molecule synthesis and SAR; experience with drug-like property optimization preferred; ability to work in interdisciplinary teams. The post-doc should also be flexible to travel and perform work in North America or Europe should an opportunity for collaboration arise.

We offer: Access to fully equipped synthetic chemistry facilities, close integration with AI-driven drug discovery platforms, collaboration with international academic and industry partners, and strong opportunities for high-impact publications.

Start: Spring-Early Summer 2026 (flexible)

Undergraduate Trainees

We welcome motivated undergraduate students (local or exchange) from who are interested in gaining research experience at the intersection of AI, structural biology, and experimental drug discovery.

Students from the following departments are encouraged to apply:

• Chemistry
• Chemical Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Molecular Biology & Genetics
• Bioinformatics
• Computer Science
• Biotechnology

We offer flexible opportunities for undergraduate students to:

• Volunteer in ongoing research projects
• Conduct supervised research for course credit or departmental project requirements
• Complete a short-term (3–4 month) research project
• Develop an independent term or capstone project

Projects may involve computational, structural, chemical, or biochemical components depending on the student’s background and interests.

FOR INTERESTED APPLICANTS, please email your CV and/or informal transcript printout to fettah.erdogan@bogazici.edu.tr