Postdoc position: Development and Application of a Virtual Reality Immersive Modelling Platform for Enabling Drug Discovery

The LIMSI (VENISE team) and LBT CNRS research units located near Paris, are seeking a highly motivated candidate to design and implement a next generation immersive visualization platform. The successful candidate will develop, evaluate and integrate innovative features from Virtual Reality and 3D user interaction into a drug discovery workflow. With a user-centered and iterative approach, each feature will be evaluated both in Paris and in Belgium, taking into account the experience and the feedback from UCB Biopharma collaborators. Project foundations were previously established (see e.g. UnityMol), providing a defined framework to get started. Using virtual reality headsets, you will implement readily usable next generation immersive design tools.

Research facilities:

This project is funded by UCB a patient-centric biopharma leader located near Brussels, Belgium in collaboration with the LIMSI and LBT CNRS research units located near Paris. These labs conduct research on Virtual Reality, Computational Biology & Chemistry. They participate in Equipex and Labex excellence in science programs. As part of the CACSICE Equipex (via LBT) and DIGISCOP Equipex (via VENISE team of LIMSI), the candidate will have access to a large high-resolution display wall and a state-of-art VR CAVE with 2-user adaptive stereoscopy, large haptic device which allows force feedback within the full working area, and 3D audio and acoustic facilities for immersion (EVE system).

About the host institute:

The « Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique » was created in 1930 by the Foundation Edmond de Rothschild. It is associated with the CNRS (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique), a leading international scientific institution offering an exceptional environment to scientists early in their career, with a dynamic international exposure animated by regular seminars and meetings.

Qualification and experience:

A PhD or engineering degree in relevant fields (Computer Science, Structural Biology, Computational Chemistry,..) and at least one publication in a peer reviewed journal or at a leading conference are required. The successful applicant should have excellent developer skills and a strong background in software development (graphics, shader programming, real time applications) with significant experience either in 3D visualization and interaction, or in Virtual Reality. Experience in modelling, animation or game design software (Unity, Blender, Unreal), and a background in structural biology or structure-based drug design would be appreciated. The candidate should also be familiar with at least one modern programming language. Evidence of the ability to undertake advanced software development is essential, as are good communication and organisational skills.

Expectations summary:

    Skills : Virtual Reality, Human Computer Interaction, 3D User Interaction, Molecular Visualisation
    Background : Molecular Science, Structural Biology, Computational Chemistry, Molecular Modelling and Simulation
    Software development frameworks : Unity, 3D/UnityMol
    Languages : C#, javascript or C++, Python,..
    Hardware : Head Mounted Displays, 3D user interaction devices
    Fluent in English
    Closing date:: 1st October 2016

Interested candidates should send a CV and a statement of research interests, including the names of three referees with contact information, as a PDF document to baaden@ibpc.fr.

Executive summary:

When? 12 months starting ASAP

Where? Laboratoire de Biochimie Théorique, Paris, France with frequent trips from Paris to UCB Biopharma located near Brussels in Belgium, with transportation accommodation costs fully supported by the contract.

Salary: starting 2500 €/month for a basic level of experience; will be adjusted based on the candidate’s CV (amount indicated is before tax)

Team Leader: Marc Baaden – –  View Marc Baaden’s profile

Websites:

http://www.baaden.ibpc.fr
http://unitymol.sourceforge.net
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9Rha5-d9O4

CLICK ON THIS LINK TO SEE PDF VERSION