PhD student (f/m/d)

The position will be started at 01. April 2025 and initially limited to 3 years with the potential for extension.

Project description: Peptide-based natural and synthetic molecules represent a crucial drug class for the treatment of various diseases. Unlike small molecules, peptides often exhibit high affinity and specificity for their targets but typically suffer from limited cell permeability. In contrast, cyclic peptides, compared to their linear counterparts, demonstrate improved oral bioavailability and cell-penetrating properties. The goal of this project is to elucidate the mechanism of cell penetration by cyclic peptides and the translocation mechanism of peptide-based antibiotics through membrane channels using Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations. A key objective is to develop innovative computational methods to enhance our atomistic understanding of the membrane transport processes involving peptides.

The recruited PhD student will join the research training group on bioactive peptides (SynPepBio, https://www.synpepbio.de

) and pursue their PhD at the FMP and the Technical University of Berlin. They will benefit from exceptional training opportunities in peptide research and actively collaborate and engage with other researchers within SynPepBio.

Your profile: We are seeking a highly motivated, ambitious, and talented young student to join our enthusiastic and collaborative team in an outstanding scientific environment for research. The successful candidates should possess a Masters degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or bioinformatics and have experience or a solid understanding of molecular modelling and molecular dynamics simulations. Candidates with additional experience in peptide chemistry or natural products are strongly encouraged to apply.

We offer:

• A stimulating environment within a pleasant and friendly working atmosphere, supported by excellent infrastructure
• Employment with all benefits associated with the public service
• Opportunities to work with leading natural product and peptide chemists from around the world
• Participation in first-class conferences and workshops
• Family services and support

Salaries will be based on the TVöD scale. The institute was awarded the certificate of the audit Beruf und Familie as a family-friendly employer. We offer equal opportunities regardless of gender and welcome applications of disabled candidates. They will be preferred in case of equal qualification. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.

We are looking forward to your application!