Summary
We are seeking highly qualified Ph.D. students to work under the supervision of Dr. Ignacio Lugones to
contribute to the advancement of research and therapies for the treatment of Epilepsy. The first aim of
the project involves the identification of potential pathogenic variants which causes epilepsy. Following
that, molecular modeling of the wild type, and mutant forms of the ion channel will be developed with
the help of bioinformatics tools like Homology Modeling. Validation of these models for functions like ion
conductance or ion influx will be conducted by running Molecular Dynamic Simulation.
The second aim of the project involves, high throughput in silico virtual screening of drug molecules (ion
channel modulators) taken from a drug bank database on these validated models by Molecular Docking
Studies using BIOVIA platform to identify the lead targets based on binding affinity and docking scores.
The evaluation of the lead targets will be performed by running Molecular Dynamic Simulation to test
how it’s affecting the function of the ion channel in terms of ion conductance or ion influx. The third aim
of the project involves the potential repurposed drug to be validated experimentally to continue the work
established in the drug development for treating epilepsy via this approach.
Long Island University (LIU) hosts a leading Dassault Systèmes Center of Excellence (CoE) in Life Sciences. Through our collaboration with Dassault Systèmes, we are spearheading the digital transformation of life science, education and clinical practice by leveraging advanced computational methods, AI and in-silico modeling.
Minimum Qualifications
- Enrollment in a Ph.D. program with strong understanding of the literature in pharmacogenetics.
- Strong technical expertise in Molecular Dynamics simulation (Discovery Studio)
- Demonstrated working knowledge and preliminary simulation results supporting the goals of the
project.
- Ability to conduct independent research and work collaboratively with the research advisor and CoE
Research Scientists.
Please submit a cover letter, CV, and a list of three references along with your application.
More on LIU’s Center of Excellence with Dassault Systèmes
Long Island University (LIU) has formed a research and innovation partnership with Dassault Systèmes in
life sciences. The collaboration focuses on impactful research in pharmaceutical sciences, precision
medicine, and healthcare in the digital age. The research involves the development of "Virtual Twins,"
digital models of human anatomy, to advance precision medicine.
LIU has also opened in 2020 a state-of-the-art simulation and high-performance computing laboratory
equipped with Dassault Systèmes' 3D, augmented reality, and virtual reality software. This facility supports
experiential research, education, and training in various fields, including AI, robotics, cybersecurity, data
analytics, and drug discovery.
LIU is committed to extending equal opportunity in employment to all qualified candidates who can
contribute to the diversity and excellence of our academic community.
About LIU Brooklyn
LIU Brooklyn campus enables
students to realize their full potential as ethically grounded, intellectually
vigorous, and socially responsible global citizens. The campus offers more
professional programs in health care than any other campus in the New York
metropolitan area, including the Arnold and Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy
& Health Science, and The Harriet Rothkopf Heilbrunn School of Nursing. LIU
Brooklyn is home to Kumble Theater for the Performing Arts, a dynamic
performance venue designed to nourish students’ artistic exploration, and
Division I sports teams.
LIU encourages applications from
all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, genetic information, sexual orientation,
gender and/or gender identity or expression, marital or parental status, national origin, ethnicity,
citizenship status, veteran or military status, age, disability or any other basis protected by applicable local,
state or federal laws. Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the United States.
LIU is an equal opportunity employer. LIU is committed to extending equal opportunity in employment to all qualified candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of our academic community. LIU encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender and/or gender identity or expression, marital or parental status, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship status, veteran or military status, age, disability or any other basis protected by applicable local, state or federal laws. Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the United States.