Robustelli Research Group
Joining the Laboratory
Graduate Students
The Robustelli laboratory is always eager to hear from prospective graduate students to discuss current opportunities to join us at Dartmouth.
We are broadly interested in using atomistic molecular simulations to model the conformational dynamics and molecular recognition mechanisms of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs). We aim to use insights from simulations to understand, predict and ultimately design new dynamic and heterogeneous IDP binding interactions. Current focuses of the laboratory include understanding the molecular mechanisms and diving forces of small molecules binding to IDPs, dissecting the intermolecular interactions that drive IDP phase separation and aggregation, and rationally designing small molecule and biologic IDP binders that modulate these processes.
Graduate students can join the group through the Chemistry (https://chemistry.dartmouth.edu/graduate/phd-program) and Molecular & Cell Biology (https://graduate.dartmouth.edu/mcb/) PhD programs. Feel free to reach out to discuss potential projects and rotation opportunities.
Postdoctoral Scholars
We currently have openings for postdoctoral scholars to join our group! We are seeking candidates with computational or experimental biophysics backgrounds.
As the first postdoctoral scholars of the laboratory, these position will provide opportunities to make foundational contributions to our research directions, build a diverse and inclusive lab culture, and play an active role in the research mentorship of graduate students and undergraduate researchers.
We are seeking computational candidates with experience developing and applying advanced molecular simulation techniques which may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following areas: enhanced sampling algorithms, maximum-entropy methods, adaptive sampling strategies, markov-state models, dimensionality reduction, clustering methods, protein or small molecule force field parameterization, alchemical free-energy calculations, de novo protein/biologics design, small molecule drug design.
We are seeking experimental candidates with backgrounds in protein NMR spectroscopy and intrinsically disordered protein biophysics.
Ideal candidates have a fascination with intrinsically disordered protein biophysics, experience integrating molecular simulations and biophysical experiments, and are interested in rational drug design.
The computational methods of our group are tightly integrated with biophysical experiments, particularly from NMR spectroscopy, and opportunities exist to collaborate with experimental groups and/or conduct biophysical experiments in-house. Our laboratory has access to excellent NMR facilities with high-throughput screening capabilities.
Based on the interdisciplinary nature of our research, there is substantial freedom to develop projects of mutual interest spanning a broad range of research areas related to IDP simulations, IDP molecular recognition, IDP NMR, and IDP drug design. Potential projects might include any combination of the following:
Enhanced Sampling Method Development
MD Analysis Methods (MSMs, Clustering, Dimensionality Reduction, Machine Learning)
Small Molecule/Biologic Inhibitor Design
Ensemble Based De Novo Design Algorithms
NMR Spectroscopy
Protein aggregation inhibition
Drugging biological condensates
Interested candidates should send an inquiry to Paul.J.Robustelli@Dartmouth.edu, including a CV, a brief description of your research experience, interests and aspirations, and a note about the potential project/area that you find most interesting. Examples of code you have written or a link to a GitHub page are encouraged.
About Dartmouth: Dartmouth College is private Ivy League Research University in Hanover, New Hampshire. The Dartmouth Department of Chemistry is a highly collaborative department which, in addition to traditional focus areas in biophysical chemistry, organic synthesis, materials chemistry, and inorganic chemistry, is currently establishing a growing community of computational chemistry scholars. Dartmouth Chemistry is part of a broader biomedical research community at Dartmouth made up of labs across the Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, Institute for Biomolecular Targeting, Molecular & Cellular Biology program and the Norris Cotton Cancer Center.
Hanover, New Hampshire is located along the Connecticut River on the border of New Hampshire and Vermont in the idyllic Upper Valley Region.
The Upper Valley is known for its scenic mountains, lakes, and rivers and its network of charming small towns. The Upper Valley has a vibrant outdoor culture with extensive hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing trails, canoeing and kayaking, and proximity to a number of downhill skiing mountains. Hanover is located 2-hours from Boston, MA, 1.5 hours from Burlington, VT, 2.5 hours from Portland Maine, and 3 hours from Montreal, Quebec.