Postdoc position: Development and Application of a Virtual Reality Immersive Modelling Platform for Enabling Drug Discovery
Nicolas Férey
The LIMSI 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, the candidate
will have access to a large high-resolution display wall and a
state-of-art VR CAVE with 2-user adaptive stereoscopy 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 baa...@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