PhD candidate in Modeling of Biohybrid Materials for Drug Formulation (f/m/d)
The Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies (FIAS) is looking for a
PhD candidate in “Modeling of Biohybrid Materials for Drug Formulation” (f/m/d)
The Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies (FIAS) is a hub for theoretical and computational research dedicated to solving complex scientific challenges. We pioneer an interdisciplinary approach, leveraging advanced theoretical methods in the natural and life sciences and computational methods to model complex self-organizing systems of nature.
The PhD project focuses on the application of multiscale molecular modeling to characterize biohybrid materials based on elastin-like peptides for drug formulation. In close collaboration with experimental researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt and industrial partners, you will use molecular dynamics simulations to rationalize experimental observations and guide future experiments. In addition, you will design and develop a database that integrates data from all project partners to support machine learning applications. The overall goal is to establish a predictive computational workflow for the design of biohybrid materials for drug formulation by integrating physics-based simulations, machine learning, and experimental data.
In your research, you will apply high-performance computing, machine learning/AI and database development to address research questions at the interface of biophysics, pharmacy, and materials science. Your computational modeling will provide detailed insights into how biohybrid materials interact with drugs and how their design can be optimized. As part of a highly interdisciplinary research institute, you will collaborate closely with both experimental and computational researchers.
The project will be carried out in the “Computational Molecular Sciences” group led by Prof. Dr. Sebastian Thallmair at the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies (FIAS) and the Goethe University Frankfurt.
Ideally, you have:
- A Master’s degree in science (e.g. (theoretical) chemistry, (bio)physics, biology, or similar)
- Basic experience with molecular dynamics simulations
- Basic understanding of relational database design and data modeling
- A curiosity-driven mindset and openness to leveraging modern AI-assisted tools to tackle challenging scientific problems
- Excellent communication skills in English or German
- Good command of written and spoken English
- Experience in biomolecular simulation, programming, machine learning/AI, or quantum chemistry is a plus, but not required
We offer:
- A cutting-edge project in an internationally recognized group that is part of the DFG Cluster of Excellence SCALE (scale-frankfurt.org), the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies (fias.institute), and Goethe University Frankfurt
- An inspiring, inclusive, and international working environment
- Excellent research infrastructure and dedicated supervision
- A funded PhD position with a competitive salary (65% TVL-H E13) and social benefits
- Excellent training and career development options (affiliation with the Goethe University Frankfurt and the graduate school GRADE-SCALEit )
- The opportunity to live in Frankfurt am Main, a vibrant cosmopolitan city in close proximity to the Taunus mountain range
We encourage applications from candidates with a strong quantitative background and an interest in developing expertise across molecular simulation, data science, and AI.
Applications may be submitted until September 20, 2026. Ideally, the successful candidate will start in November 2026. The FIAS and the Thallmair group aim to offer a diverse and inclusive working environment and explicitly encourage applications of people belonging to underrepresented groups in science.
Required documents:
- Motivation letter describing your research interests, your motivation to perform a PhD in the field and to join the lab
- Detailed curriculum vitae including academic qualifications, research experience, skills, and possibly a publication list
- Detailed transcripts of records of your Bachelor’s and Master’s programs
- Name and contact information of 1-2 references
Please upload all documents as a single pdf file via our online portal.
For further questions, please contact:
Scientific issues:
Prof. Dr. Sebastian Thallmair (thallmair@fias.uni-frankfurt.de)
Administrative issues:
Meike Taplik (hr@fias.uni-frankfurt.de)
Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies (FIAS)
Ruth-Moufang-Str. 1, 60438 Frankfurt am Main
