ICFO is a research center located in the Mediterranean Technology Park in the metropolitan area of Barcelona, employing approximately 500 people, including researchers, PhD students, and operational staff. In its field of specialization, ICFO is consistently ranked among the highest-quality research institutions worldwide.

We are seeking a highly motivated researcher to develop next-generation neuronal actuators based on light-gated ion channels. The ideal candidate will have experience in protein engineering, preferably involving membrane proteins and channelrhodopsins. The project will combine in silico mutagenesis with structure-guided design to identify key residues that enhance light sensitivity and photocurrent amplitude, inspired by naturally occurring photoreceptors in photosynthetic organisms. Engineered variants will be functionally characterized using in vitro reconstitution and automated patch-clamp electrophysiology.

The goal of this ...