Join the Graduate School for Life Science Engineering at TU Darmstadt!
The Graduate School Life Science Engineering (GS LSE) at TU Darmstadt announces a unique opportunity for international PhD students under the prestigious Graduate School Scholarship Programme (GSSP) funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
For 2026, there are two scholarships available for doctoral studies.
📌 Applicants who receive their master's degree after the application deadline may also apply for the program.
👉 Please submit your application via the online application form when the call for application is open. Applications sent via mail are not accepted!
The Graduate School Life Science Engineering (GS LSE) at TU Darmstadt announces a unique opportunity for international PhD students under the prestigious Graduate School Scholarship Programme (GSSP) funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
For 2026, there are two scholarships available for doctoral studies.
DAAD-GSSP scholarships for international PhD students
Activities and responsibilities
The Suess Lab:
The development of RNA vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic has impressively demonstrated the enormous potential of RNA therapeutics. This has led to a strong global research focus on RNA therapeutics not only for combating viruses, but also for other diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. In this PhD project, we aim to develop RNA-based devices that enable the control of RNA therapeutics. Synthetic riboswitches are being developed that can sense their cellular environment and specifically activate translation when the therapeutic has reached the target cells, and self-destruct when it is no longer needed. Thereby, we employ a variety of methods ranging from in vitro selection of aptamers, their detailed biochemical and genetic characterization, and the engineering of aptamers into synthetic riboswitches, up to their application.
The development of RNA vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic has impressively demonstrated the enormous potential of RNA therapeutics. This has led to a strong global research focus on RNA therapeutics not only for combating viruses, but also for other diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. In this PhD project, we aim to develop RNA-based devices that enable the control of RNA therapeutics. Synthetic riboswitches are being developed that can sense their cellular environment and specifically activate translation when the therapeutic has reached the target cells, and self-destruct when it is no longer needed. Thereby, we employ a variety of methods ranging from in vitro selection of aptamers, their detailed biochemical and genetic characterization, and the engineering of aptamers into synthetic riboswitches, up to their application.
Qualification profile
- Applicants must not have been resident in Germany for more than the last 15 months prior to the nomination
- The last final exam (Master Degree) should have taken place no longer than six years before the time of nomination
- Application documents comprise a CV, a motivation letter, transcript of records (BSc. & MSc.) and at least 2 contacts for recommendation letters (or recommendation letters if available)
- Applicants must not have completed a PhD previously
- Applicants should refer to their preferred research group offering a PhD position
📌 Applicants who receive their master's degree after the application deadline may also apply for the program.
👉 Please submit your application via the online application form when the call for application is open. Applications sent via mail are not accepted!
We offer
- Interdisciplinary Research: Explore cutting-edge projects at the intersection of engineering, chemistry, and life sciences
- Global Network: Join a vibrant community of scientists and experts from diverse backgrounds.
- Excellence in Supervision: Conduct your doctoral studies under the supervision of renowned scientists and benefit from the accompanying PhD programme of the Graduate School LSE
Dr. Julia Detzer
Managing Director of the Graduate School Life Science Engineering
julia.detzer(at)tu-darmstadt.de
Managing Director of the Graduate School Life Science Engineering
julia.detzer(at)tu-darmstadt.de
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DAAD-2026-BS
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