PhD position (f/m/d)

The University of Bayreuth is a research-oriented university with internationally competitive, interdisciplinary focus areas in research and teaching. The Chair of Artificial Intelligence in Protein Science at the University of Bayreuth invites applications for a PhD position at the interface of machine learning, computational biology, and protein science. The position is available from July 2026. The successful candidate will join a highly interdisciplinary research environment focused on developing and applying computational and data-driven methods to understand protein structure, function, and interactions.

Remuneration:

• The position is 65% according to TV-L E13
• The position is initially limited to 3 years
  

Your Responsibilities:

• Investigate fundamental questions in protein science using computational and quantitative approaches, including machine learning methods for protein structure, function, and interactions.
• Develop and apply computational methods and algorithms, as well as machine learning and deep learning models.
• Build and maintain software tools, pipelines, and web applications to support research workflows.
• Conduct systematic literature reviews and communicate research progress regularly to the group.
• Actively participate in regular group meetings, discussions, and collaborate with team members.
• Present research findings in diverse academic settings, including seminars, conferences, and workshops.
• Create high-quality figures and visualizations.
• Prepare, write, and publish scientific manuscripts arising from your research.
• Contribute to the tutoring of university-level courses.
• Mentor bachelor’s and master’s students when appropriate.
  

Your Profile: 

We are seeking motivated candidates with a strong background at the interface of biology and quantitative sciences.

• Master’s degree at the interface of molecular biology and quantitative sciences including Bioinformatics, Biophysics, Computational Biology or a related discipline, with a strong academic record.
• Applicants with a background in Computer Science or Machine Learning are welcome, provided they have demonstrated experience or a strong interest in molecular biosciences.
• Experience in programming and data analysis, ideally in Python.
• Familiarity with statistics, biological datasets, and computational analysis methods. Experience with biological databases, omics data, or machine learning approaches is advantageous.
• Genuine interest in scientific research, with a curious, well-organized, and self-driven mindset.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills, with an interest in collaborative research and a positive attitude.
• Very good written and spoken English.
• Experience working in international or multicultural environments is a plus.

What You Can Expect:

• Exposure to cutting-edge research projects in protein science and methods in machine learning.
• A secure workplace at a modern university with state-of-the-art research facilities.
• A constructive and supportive work atmosphere within a friendly, open-minded team.
• Opportunities for personal and professional development aligned with your career goals, including workshops, training programs, and mentoring.
• Paid vacation and flexible work arrangements.
• Support for participation in scientific conferences, networking events, and collaborative projects.
• Opportunity to contribute to high-impact publications.
• Opportunities to mentor students and participate in teaching activities, enhancing leadership experience.
  

Diversity & Inclusion

The University of Bayreuth values diversity among its staff as an asset and is explicitly committed to gender equality. Women are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants with children are warmly welcome. The University of Bayreuth is a member of the Best-Practice Club “Family in the University e.V.” and has successfully participated in the HRK audit “Internationalization of Higher Education.” Applicants with disabilities will be given preferential consideration in the case of equal suitability.

Application Process:

Please submit your application including:

• CV
• Academic certificates and transcripts
• Motivation letter
• Two letters of recommendation, including names and contact details of referees

Via the University of Bayreuth application portal, quoting the password “Protein Science” by 30 June 2026.

Please ensure your application clearly reflects your experience and includes concrete examples of relevant skills. Application documents will be handled in accordance with data protection regulations and deleted after the position is filled.

If you have any questions, please contact Prof. Dr. Hadeer Elhabashy
(Hadeer.elhabashy@uni-bayreuth.de) with the email subject: "PhD Position Inquiry"