Description
Many critical biological targets remain “undruggable,” limiting treatment options for complex diseases. Our team addresses this challenge through AI-guided protein design, focusing on protein binders—small, engineered proteins that can precisely regulate other proteins. Through the AI Protein Design Program, we combine advanced computational design with experimental validation, including binding/activity assays, protein characterization, and cryo-EM structural analysis. This integrated approach is helping unlock new therapies and biotechnological tools for the next generation of medicine. By working on diverse targets, our team contributes to a wide range of impactful solutions:
- Precise control of gene editing tools (CRISPR regulation)
- New antibacterial strategies (growth inhibitors and anti-toxins)
- Targeting key disease-related receptors (GPCR modulators)
- Improved diagnostics and research tools (high-affinity reagents)
Your project will focus on AI-guided protein design, with a special emphasis on developing protein binders, small proteins capable of strongly interacting with and regulating other proteins. The project can be tailored to your interests and skills:
- Computational Focus: Work on AI-driven protein design and modeling.
- Experimental Focus: Engage in wet lab work involving protein expression, purification, activity assays, cryoEM, and characterization.
- Combined Approach: A mix of AI design and experimental validation.
Our projects are flexible and can be adjusted based on your preferences and background. If you’re interested, we’re happy to discuss options that align with your goals and help you develop valuable skills in this rapidly growing field.
Our expertise : AI Computational Design, Structural Biology, CryoEM, X-Ray crystallography, Protein Biochemistry, Protein expression, purification, activity assay, protein stability
Essential criteria:
Minimum entry requirements can be found here: https://www.monash.edu/admissions/entry-requirements/minimum
Keywords
AI, protein, protein engineering, structural biology
School
Biomedicine Discovery Institute (School of Biomedical Sciences)
Available options
Masters by research
Honours
Time commitment
Full-time
Part-time
Physical location
18 Innovation Walk
Co-supervisors
Assoc Prof
Gavin Knott
Dr
Dominic de Nardo
Dr
Melanie Hutton
