TU Darmstadt stands for excellent and relevant science. We are playing a decisive role in shaping far-reaching processes of global change-from energy transition to artificial intelligence-through outstanding scientific knowledge and innovative academic programmes. We group our cutting-edge research into three fields: Energy and Environment, Information and Intelligence, Matter and Materials. We are a university with strong ties to the Frankfurt Rhine-Main metropolitan region and a very strong international focus. We are committed to European values and European integration.
The Centre of Synthetic Biology is a university-wide interdisciplinary research initiative bringing together biologists and biochemists with computational scientists and machine learning researchers. The PhD candidate will conduct research within the Centre for Synthetic Biology and will be co-supervised by Prof. Viktor Stein and Prof. Heinz Koeppl
In addition, you bring:
On a personal level, you distinguish yourself through:
Your application should include:
The Centre of Synthetic Biology is a university-wide interdisciplinary research initiative bringing together biologists and biochemists with computational scientists and machine learning researchers. The PhD candidate will conduct research within the Centre for Synthetic Biology and will be co-supervised by Prof. Viktor Stein and Prof. Heinz Koeppl
PhD student - AI-driven Protein Design (m/f/d)-E13 (65%)
Activities and responsibilities
- Work on an interdisciplinary project combining AI and high-throughput biology to design small molecule responsive chemical inducers of dimerization (CID)
- Implement and apply experimental pipelines to functionally screen and analyse ligand responsive CID modules
- Build and assemble smart libraries for ligand responsive CIDs using advanced DNA assembly technologies
- Implement and apply high-throughput assays to screen smart CID libraries for ligand-dependent responses
- Implement and apply standardised robotic workflows for quantifying biophysical parameters for ligand-dependent CID response
- Develop standardised experimental protocols to generate AI ready data for AI model training based on high- and low throughput
- Work in close collaboration with computational protein designers and automation engineers to implement and apply experimental pipelines for the functional analysis of CID modules with tailored properties and functions
Qualification profile
- A very good university science degree (Master’s/Diploma) in biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, bioengineering, or a related field. Master’s/Diploma degree must be completed prior to the start of employment
- Practical experience in recombinant DNA technology (e.g. advanced DNA assembly techniques including library generation)
- Practical experience in recombinant protein technology (e.g. expression and purification of heterologous and/or designed proteins)
- Practical experience in the development and application of high-throughput assays for the holistic analysis of protein function (e.g. in microtiter plate, colony-on-plate, microfluidics and/or FACS) is a plus.
- Practical experience in the quantitative analysis of biophysical parameters of protein function (e.g. dissociation constants, kinetic parameters) is a plus.
- Interest in and initial experience with the use of AI in the analysis and/or in the predictive design of biological functions is a plus.
In addition, you bring:
- Fluency in English for communication in an international team and for writing scientific publications
On a personal level, you distinguish yourself through:
- Analytical thinking and a high degree of self-organization
- Curiosity and creativity
- Openness to working in an interdisciplinary and international team
Your application should include:
- a cover letter explaining succintly why you want to do this project
- your CV
- bachelor’s and master’s degree certificates and transcript of records
- a list of publications / talks / poster contributions, if available
- contact details of 2 referees
We offer
Technical University of Darmstadt offers varied and challenging assignments, freedom to work independently, the latest technologies, good collaboration between colleagues in partnership, needs-based training opportunities and customised personnel development.
The fulfillment of the duties likewise enables the scientific qualifications of the candidate.
Development and organisation - comprehensive in-house training offers, including the opportunity for continuing education and development;
Annual leave/educational leave - 30 days annual leave (full-time employment) and 5 days educational leave;
Sustainable and mobile - eligibility to free public transport in the state of Hesse with the LandesTicket Hessen (Hesse StateTicket) in accordance with the currently valid collective agreement, in addition to opportunities to working mobile at times;
Fit and healthy - free of charge preventive medical check-ups and a wide-ranging subsidised sports programme;
Work-life balance - flexible working time models, plus BGM (Betriebliches Gesundheitsmanagement - University Health Management);
Pension scheme - supplementary public service pension scheme (VBL) in accordance with the currently applicable regulations;
University bicycle
Family-friendliness/compatibility of family/care/career - (university-run) childcare services, child allowance (based on the collective agreement), childcare programmes during school holidays.
The fulfillment of the duties likewise enables the scientific qualifications of the candidate.
Development and organisation - comprehensive in-house training offers, including the opportunity for continuing education and development;
Annual leave/educational leave - 30 days annual leave (full-time employment) and 5 days educational leave;
Sustainable and mobile - eligibility to free public transport in the state of Hesse with the LandesTicket Hessen (Hesse StateTicket) in accordance with the currently valid collective agreement, in addition to opportunities to working mobile at times;
Fit and healthy - free of charge preventive medical check-ups and a wide-ranging subsidised sports programme;
Work-life balance - flexible working time models, plus BGM (Betriebliches Gesundheitsmanagement - University Health Management);
Pension scheme - supplementary public service pension scheme (VBL) in accordance with the currently applicable regulations;
University bicycle
Family-friendliness/compatibility of family/care/career - (university-run) childcare services, child allowance (based on the collective agreement), childcare programmes during school holidays.
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CID-2026
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