PhD position: Computational Drug Design & Synthesis of Inhibitors for Amyloid-Lipid Aggregation(MSCA - DN - Lipagg)

LipAgg DC4

The selected PhD candidate will participate in the EU-funded HORIZON-MSCA-DN-2024-01 project LipAgg. The LipAgg network brings together partners from 6 European countries and comprises 11 academic or research institutions and 12 industrial partners. The consortium is committed to delivering an outstanding training programme for 15 Doctoral Candidates (DCs) aimed at elucidating the role of lipids in the toxicity and propagation of protein aggregation.

Visit the LipAgg project website: www.lipagg.eu

The PhD Project

The objective of this project is to characterize the binding affinities and structural dynamics of the amyloid proteins IAPP and α-Synuclein (αS) in various lipid environments using high-performance molecular simulations. Under the primary supervision of Prof. Birgit Strodel at Forschungszentrum Jülich (Germany), the Doctoral Candidate (DC) will resolve these complex binding mechanisms to create a blueprint for the rational design of peptidomimetic inhibitors. Using an advanced computer-aided drug design (CADD) toolbox, the candidate will identify and target specific binding hotspots and develop peptidomimetic inhibitors in silico. The project then transitions to an experimental phase: a nine-month secondment at the University of Paris-Saclay (France) under the supervision of Prof. Sandrine Ongeri. During this period, the DC will synthesize the most promising candidates, resulting in a unique dual-competence in both computational and synthetic medicinal chemistry.

The Doctoral Candidate will be responsible for the end-to-end management of this research, from performing simulations to the practical dissemination of results within the LipAgg network. The DC will participate in specialized training activities, attend international scientific congresses, and collaborate closely with consortium partners. Beyond the core research, the candidate will engage in advanced PhD coursework, author peer-reviewed scientific publications, and contribute to the network’s outreach and communication efforts. This structured path ensures comprehensive professional development in both computational and experimental pharmaceutical sciences, preparing the candidate for a high-level career in drug discovery.

The project further includes a three-month secondment at BioSolveIT in Sankt Augustin (Germany, close to Jülich), an industry leader in drug discovery software. At BioSolveIT, the DC will be trained in state-of-the-art in silico design approaches and apply these tools to optimize inhibitors of the IAPP/αS–lipid interaction.

The DC will be enrolled at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (Germany), the partner university responsible for issuing the PhD title.

Interdisciplinary research centre in Germany.

The Candidate

The ideal candidate for this position is a highly motivated researcher holding a Master’s degree (MSc or equivalent) in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry, or Chemoinformatics. Applicants must demonstrate a strong foundation in both molecular simulations and organic chemistry. A firm commitment to the experimental phase—including 9 months of wet-lab work at the University of Paris-Saclay—is mandatory. 

Furthermore, we seek a candidate with a results-oriented mindset, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary team. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are essential.

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us. The following links provide further information on diversity and equal opportunities: https://go.fzj.de/equality and on specific support options:https://go.fzj.de/womens-job-journey

Eligibility rules

This position is subject to the mobility and eligibility rules of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions. In particular, the candidate must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Germany for more than twelve months during the three years immediately prior to the recruitment date, unless as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention. At the date of recruitment, the candidate must be a Doctoral Candidate, i.e., in the first five years (full-time equivalent research experience) of their research career and must not have been awarded a doctoral degree.