WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Group
🧬 PhD Researcher Position – Structural Biology, Drug Discovery & Biophysical Methods | University of Mainz
Institution: University of Mainz – Czodrowski Lab
📍 Location: Mainz, Germany
💼 Position Available: PhD Researcher
🔬 Research Area: Structural Biology | Drug Discovery | Chemical Biology | Biophysical Methods | Machine Learning | Protein–Ligand Interactions
The Czodrowski Lab at the University of Mainz is seeking a highly motivated PhD Researcher to contribute to an exciting research project focused on the identification and development of novel small-molecule inhibitors targeting the aspartic protease endothiapepsin.
The laboratory combines structural biology, machine learning, biophysical methods, and AI-driven approaches to address important questions in drug discovery and chemical biology, with a focus on unmet medical needs.
📅 Preferred Start Date: January 2027
🔬 About the Czodrowski Lab
The Czodrowski Lab combines interdisciplinary approaches from:
- Structural Biology
- Machine Learning
- Biophysical Methods
- Drug Discovery
- Chemical Biology
- Artificial Intelligence
The research focuses on understanding fundamental principles of protein–ligand interactions and applying this knowledge to modern drug discovery.
The laboratory integrates advanced experimental and computational approaches, including:
- Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC)
- Saturation Transfer Difference NMR (STD-NMR)
- X-ray Diffraction
- switchSENSE
- FRET-Based Methods
- AI-Driven Approaches
🧪 Project Description
The PhD project focuses on the identification of novel small-molecule inhibitors for the aspartic protease endothiapepsin.
Endothiapepsin is structurally relevant to pharmaceutically important aspartic proteases, including:
- HIV Protease
- Beta-Secretase
Previous research has successfully deciphered proton-transfer processes occurring during peptide complex formation with endothiapepsin.
In this PhD project, the successful candidate will focus on:
- Identifying novel and structurally related inhibitors through virtual screening and computational approaches.
- Experimentally verifying promising inhibitor candidates.
- Investigating protein–ligand interactions.
- Studying proton-transfer processes occurring during protein–ligand complex formation.
- Integrating structural and biophysical data to better understand molecular recognition.
The project offers an exciting opportunity to combine computational drug discovery with experimental structural biology and biophysical characterization.
🧬 Research Methodologies
The project will involve exposure to a diverse range of modern research techniques, including:
- Virtual Screening
- Small-Molecule Drug Discovery
- Structural Biology
- X-ray Diffraction
- Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC)
- STD-NMR Spectroscopy
- switchSENSE Technology
- FRET-Based Approaches
- Protein–Ligand Interaction Analysis
- Machine Learning
- AI-Driven Drug Discovery Methods
🎯 Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate should be a highly motivated individual with a strong academic background in:
- Structural Biology
- Biophysics
- Chemical Biology
- Biochemistry
- Drug Discovery
- Or a closely related scientific discipline
Candidates should demonstrate:
- A solid background in structural biology and biophysical methods.
- The ability to work autonomously and independently.
- A strong sense of personal responsibility and initiative.
- Excellent motivation and enthusiasm for scientific research.
- Fluency in English.
- A willingness to contribute to the teaching and mentoring of undergraduate students.
Knowledge of German is considered a strong advantage.
🌟 What the Position Offers
💰 Salary & Benefits
- 3-Year PhD Position
- Compensation according to the German public-sector salary scale.
- TV-L E13, 65% Position
- Full social benefits.
🔬 State-of-the-Art Research Facilities
Work with advanced research infrastructure and access to excellent laboratory facilities supporting structural biology, biophysics, and drug discovery research.
🌍 Interdisciplinary Research Network
Join an inspiring interdisciplinary research environment with opportunities for:
- Local Collaboration
- National Collaboration
- International Collaboration
📈 Professional Development
Receive dedicated support for expanding your professional skills beyond the core PhD research project and developing a strong scientific profile.
📄 How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application as a single PDF document.
📧 Application Email: czodpaul@uni-mainz.de
Email Subject: “PhD ET”
The Application Must Include:
- Motivation Letter – Focusing on the proposed PhD project and your research interests.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- A Two-Page Summary of Your Master’s Thesis – Including a graphical table of contents (TOC).
- Academic Transcripts or Records from both Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs.
- Contact Details of Two References – Including their names and contact information. Reference letters are preferred where available.
📚 Further Reading
Applicants interested in learning more about the scientific background of the project are encouraged to explore the following publications:
- Vatheur et al., ChemMedChem (2025), 20, e202400953
- Vatheur et al., ChemMedChem (2025), 20, e202500244
📌 Job Details
Institution: University of Mainz
Laboratory: Czodrowski Lab
Position: PhD Researcher
Location: Mainz, Germany
Research Areas: Structural Biology | Drug Discovery | Chemical Biology | Biophysics | Machine Learning
Research Focus: Identification of Novel Small-Molecule Inhibitors for Endothiapepsin
Research Techniques: ITC | STD-NMR | X-Ray Diffraction | switchSENSE | FRET | Virtual Screening | AI-Driven Approaches
Candidate Profile: Strong Background in Structural Biology and Biophysical Methods
Language Requirement: Fluent English Required | German Considered a Strong Advantage
Position Duration: 3 Years
Salary: TV-L E13, 65% Position
Benefits: Full Social Benefits
Preferred Start Date: January 2027
Application Mode: Submit a Single PDF via Email
Application Email: czodpaul@uni-mainz.de
Email Subject: PhD ET
Laboratory Website: Czodrowski Lab
Category
PhD Position | PhD Jobs | Structural Biology | Drug Discovery | Chemical Biology | Biophysics | Machine Learning | Protein–Ligand Interactions | Small-Molecule Discovery | Research Jobs | Germany Jobs | University Jobs
🏷️ Tags
#PhDPosition #PhDJobs #UniversityOfMainz #StructuralBiology #DrugDiscovery #ChemicalBiology #Biophysics #MachineLearning #SmallMoleculeDiscovery #ProteinLigandInteractions #ResearchJobs
Follow Biopractify for more & Join our community : https://chat.whatsapp.com/F38FNCU0nfvFCDf1mYJDbm
About The Author
