Forschungszentrum Jülich invites motivated researchers for a unique PhD opportunity in structural DNA nanotechnology. The project focuses on AI-driven design of scaffold-free DNA nanostructures, combining modeling, experiments, and high-performance computing to engineer nanoscale building blocks for artificial cells and advanced materials.
🔍 Job Details
| Title | Collaborative Doctoral Project (PhD Position) – AI-Guided Design of Scaffold-Free DNA Nanostructures |
|---|---|
| Organization/Publisher | Forschungszentrum Jülich |
| Work Location | Jülich, Germany |
| Research Field | Nanotechnology, DNA Nanostructures, AI & Computational Biophysics |
| Researcher Profile | PhD Candidate |
| Contract Type | 4-year, Full-time |
| Application Deadline | Open until filled (apply early) |
| Start Date | Flexible (2025 intake) |
| Salary | TVöD-Bund E13 (up to 100%) + benefits + 60% Christmas bonus |
| How to Apply | Apply via Forschungszentrum Jülich Careers Portal |
🌐 Detailed Blog Article
About the Program
The Collaborative Doctoral Projects (CDP) at Forschungszentrum Jülich offer a rare chance to engage in interdisciplinary research across multiple institutes. With world-class infrastructure and Europe’s leading supercomputers, PhD researchers work in dynamic teams bridging nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, and biophysics to tackle grand scientific challenges.
About the Project
Structural DNA nanotechnology enables the creation of programmable nanoscale architectures. This project pioneers the AI-guided design of scaffold-free DNA nanostructures, aiming to build a digital twin capable of predicting DNA motifs and tessellations at the sub-nanometer scale. The resulting structures have applications in artificial cell design, nano-materials engineering, and biotechnology.
What You’ll Do
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Run numerical simulations to generate DNA structure training datasets.
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Develop transformer-based AI models to predict DNA folding & assembly.
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Conduct laboratory experiments to validate AI predictions.
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Collaborate across international research teams & present at conferences.
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Publish findings in high-impact journals.
Who Succeeds Here
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Master’s degree in physics, applied mathematics, or engineering.
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Strong programming & modeling skills (Python, C++, etc.).
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Interest in experimental DNA nanotechnology.
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Excellent English communication skills.
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Bonus: experience in machine learning or high-performance computing.
Benefits & Environment
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Fully funded 4-year PhD with competitive salary & benefits (TVöD E13).
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30 days annual leave + flexible work options.
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Access to Europe’s top supercomputing facilities.
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International conferences, workshops & professional development support.
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Inclusive, diverse, and supportive workplace culture.
Application Instructions
Interested candidates should apply via the official portal:
👉 Apply Here – Forschungszentrum Jülich CDP
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Early applications are encouraged.
Ready to join one of Europe’s top interdisciplinary nanotechnology & AI research centers?
🔗 Reference Links
⚠️ Disclaimer
This blog post summarizes an official opportunity at Forschungszentrum Jülich. Please verify details and submit your application only through the official career portal.
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