As a Protein Designer at VRG Tx, you will contribute to the denovo design, optimization, and evaluation of miniprotein therapeutics,working at the interface of AI, structural biology, and molecular biophysics.You will collaborate closely with computational scientists, structuralbiologists, and experimental teams to translate in silico designs intofunctional molecules.

The role is open at Junior and Senior levels, with increasingresponsibility, independence, and leadership skills expected at higherseniority.

Design de novo proteins andminiproteins for therapeutic applications using state-of-the-artcomputational methods

Apply and integrate deeplearning–based protein design and structure prediction tools, including butnot limited to:

Diffusion-based generative models (e.g. RFdiffusion and relatedapproaches)

ML-based generative and predictive structure models (e.g. BoltzGen,AlphaFold2, ESMFold, Chai)

Sequence design tools (e.g. ProteinMPNN, BindCraft, and relatedframeworks)

Perform structure-basedanalysis, scoring, and ranking of designed proteins

Use molecular dynamicssimulations and related physics-based methods to assess stability,dynamics, and interactions

Develop and maintain Bash andPython-based workflows and pipelines for protein design and analysis

Interface computational designswith experimental validation workflows, incorporating feedback toimprove design strategies

Document methods, results, andinsights in a clear, reproducible manner

At the junior level, the role is hands-on and learning-oriented,with strong mentorship and growth opportunities

• Implement and adapt existing protein design workflows and tools
• Run large-scale design and screening campaigns under guidance
• Analyze structural and sequence-level outputs and summarize result
• Actively learn new computational methods and frameworks in protein design
• Contribute to internal method development and benchmarking
• Collaborate closely with senior scientists and experimental teams

At the senior level, the role is strategic and leadership-oriented, with significant ownership of scientific direction.

• Lead end-to-end protein design projects, from concept to experimental hand off
• Develop novel design strategies, scoring functions, or ML workflows
• Critically evaluate and select appropriate modeling approaches for different biological problems
• Mentor junior scientists and help shape best practices across the team
• Drive cross-functional collaboration and contribute to platform-level decisions
• Stay at the forefront of advances in AI-driven protein design and translate them into internal capabilities

• Strong background in computational protein design, structural biology, biophysics, or a related field
• Proficiency in Python for scientific computing and pipeline development
• Hands-on experience with de novo protein design using modern tools, including but not limited to:
  
  • Diffusion models
  • AlphaFold2, ESMFold, Chai, BoltzGen
  • RFdiffusion, BindCraft, ProteinMPNN
  • Molecular dynamics simulations
• Solid understanding of protein structure, folding, and molecular interactions
• Ability to work effectively in a highly interdisciplinary, fast-moving R&D environment

• Experience leveraging naturally sourced protein structures as templates or inspiration for design
• Prior work on miniproteins, binders, or protein–protein interactions
• Familiarity with HPC or cloud-based computer environments
• Hands-on experience bridging computational design with in vitro validation methods (e.g. cloning, ELISA, phage display)

• The opportunity to work on best-in-class and first-in-class therapeutic conceptses as templates or inspiration for design
• Access to a cutting-edge AI-driven protein design platform
• A highly collaborative, science-driven international culture with strong academic and industry roots
• Competitive compensation aligned with experience
• Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid/remote options depending on seniority
• Offices in Budapest and Leiden, with international collaboration