Vacancy for PhD students in Computational Drug Design, University

PhD students in computational drug design: The University of Mainz (Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz) offers a fully funded PhD position in the field of computational drug design. This position is open in the Molecular Simulations and AI-driven Molecular Design research team at the Institute of Physical Chemistry in collaboration with the University Medical Center Mainz. The focus of the research is on the development of novel small molecules to modulate neuroinflammatory processes with the aim of finding new neuroprotective drugs through virtual screening and molecular simulation.

Open position for PhD students in computational drug design

Overview table:

• university: Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU)
• Department: Institute of Physical Chemistry
• Cooperation: University Medical Center Mainz, Focus Program Translational Neuroscience (FTN)
• scholarship: 2,030 € per month
• Length of time: 3 years, with possibility of extension
• Application deadline: 30 September 2024
• Contact email: opalomin@uni-mainz.de

Field of study:
The focus of the doctoral position is on Computer-aided drug design with a focus on neuroinflammatory processes. The role involves the development of novel small molecules for neuroprotection using virtual screening, molecular simulation and AI-driven generative modeling.

Description of the scholarship:
The successful candidate will join a vibrant academic environment at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, one of the largest universities in Germany. The research will be conducted under the joint leadership of Dr. Oscar Palomino (JGU Mainz), Dr. Christina Francisca Vogelaar and Prof. Dr. Frauke Zipp (UMC Mainz). The main goal is to develop new chemical entities that modulate neuroinflammatory processes, with the ultimate goal of discovering new neuroprotective drugs. The position offers a FTN PhD Scholarship of 2,030 euros per month, a job ticket for the Rhine-Main area and access to extensive personnel development offers.

Eligibility:
Candidates must have an M.Sc. degree in Chemistry, Interdisciplinary Sciences, Physics or a related field. Eligibility The criteria also include preference for candidates with computer experience and basic knowledge in areas such as:

• Drug discovery and structure-based design
• Simulations of biomolecules using molecular dynamics or Monte Carlo techniques
• Machine learning/generative modelling in chemistry

Knowledge of English at B2 level (CEFR) is required; knowledge of German is an advantage but not essential. The university encourages applications from people with diverse backgrounds and is particularly interested in increasing the proportion of women in research and teaching.

Required documents:
Applicants should prepare the following Required documents:

1. Tabular CV
2. Certificates of grades, including academic achievements
3. A one-page motivation letter with detailed information on:

• Why you are interested in this position
• Why your previous experience makes you a suitable candidate
• Your plans after your doctorate

How to apply:
To apply, please send the Required documents with the application ID “PhDSep2024” in the subject line of the email to palomino.applications@uni-mainz.de.

Last date: The Last date The submission deadline is September 30, 2024. For further questions, please contact Dr. Oscar Palomino at opalomin@uni-mainz.de.

This is an excellent opportunity to advance your career in drug design and molecular simulations at a renowned German university. Don’t miss the chance to contribute to groundbreaking research in neuroinflammatory drug discovery!