A process is provided for the conversion of a hydrocarbon feedstock using catalyst system comprising one or more zeolites. The zeolites have been identified to be capable of selectively catalyzing the hydroisomerization reactions of linear or slightly branched long-chain hydrocarbons. Also provided is a method for the systematic discovery of zeolite framework types that are suitable for such conversion processes, according to a set of criteria: large affinity towards linear alkanes, high adsorption selectivity of linear over branched alkanes, and low adsorption selectivity of linear alkanes of different molecular weights.