IE University
Postdoctoral Researcher

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Postdoctoral Opportunity in Cryo-Electron Microscopy and Machine Learning
I'm pleased to share an exciting postdoctoral opportunity jointly hosted by Astex Pharmaceuticals in Cambridge, UK, and my research group at IE University in Madrid, Spain. The position is based in Cambridge, with regular research visits to Madrid as part of the collaboration.
Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) is the Nobel Prize-winning imaging technique used to determine the three-dimensional structures of proteins and other biological macromolecules, and has become a cornerstone technology in structural biology and structure-based drug discovery. From a machine learning perspective, it presents a fascinating computer vision challenge: recovering accurate 3D information from extremely noisy 2D images.
The project focuses on developing the next generation of algorithms for cryo-EM single-particle analysis, with a particular emphasis on deep learning for 3D pose estimation, representation learning, and foundation models trained on large-scale experimental cryo-EM datasets.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
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Requirements
We are looking for outstanding candidates from either of two backgrounds:
- Researchers with experience developing algorithms for cryo-EM single-particle analysis.
- Researchers with a strong background in computer vision, machine learning, or deep learning who are interested in applying these techniques to cryo-EM.
Previous experience in structural biology is not required for candidates coming from computer vision and machine learning. Likewise, cryo-EM researchers are not expected to have prior expertise in deep learning, provided they have a strong background in algorithm development and an interest in modern AI methods.
One of the aspects that makes this position particularly attractive is that it combines the strengths of both academia and industry. The project is embedded within Astex's long-running Sustaining Innovation Postdoctoral (SIPD) Programme, allowing the successful candidate to work on cutting-edge research using unique industrial-scale datasets and modern computing infrastructure, while maintaining a strong emphasis on publishing high-impact research and developing open-source software through a close collaboration with IE University.


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Whether your long-term ambition is to pursue a career in academia or industry, this position offers the opportunity to experience AI research in a leading structure-based drug discovery company while continuing to build a strong academic publication record. It is an excellent way to broaden your research experience without closing doors to either career path.
If this sounds interesting, I'd be delighted to hear from you.
The position will be officially posted very soon at: https://astx.com/our-people-and-culture/uk-vacancies/
#Postdoc #CryoEM #ComputerVision #MachineLearning #DeepLearning #StructuralBiology #DrugDiscovery
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