PhD Position: Multiscale MD Simulations of Amyloid-Membrane Interactions (MSCA - DN - LipAgg)

DC - 14 LipAgg

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 how complexes formed by amyloid proteins (Aβ, IAPP, and αS) and lipids—referred to as AP-L complexes—insert into and interact with lipid membranes. Under the primary supervision of Prof. Birgit Strodel at Forschungszentrum Jülich (Germany), the Doctoral Candidate (DC) will utilize high-performance molecular simulations to develop "digital twins" of these complexes. Using enhanced sampling techniques and potential AI-driven modeling, the DC will investigate the reciprocal effects between AP-L complexes and the membrane environment, mimicking the lipid compositions used by experimental partners within the LipAgg network. This project offers a rare multi-disciplinary path, bridging advanced computational biophysics with experimental biophysics through two strategic secondments.

First, a three-month secondment at Aminoverse in Nuth (Netherlands) will focus on the application of AI methods for protein modeling. Subsequently, a six-month secondment at the University of Calabria (Italy) under the supervision of Prof. Rita Guzzi will allow the DC to contribute to EPR (Electron Paramagnetic Resonance) experiments. This integration of simulations and spectroscopy will provide a comprehensive assessment of how amyloid complexes modulate lipid membrane integrity.

The Doctoral Candidate will be responsible for the end-to-end management of this research, from performing high-performance 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 computational biophysics, AI applications, and experimental spectroscopy, preparing the candidate for a high-level career in biomolecular research.

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 Physics, Biophysics, Chemistry, or a related field. Applicants must demonstrate a strong foundation in molecular simulations; prior experience with spectroscopic techniques is highly desirable. A defining requirement of this role is the commitment to perform hands-on experimental research, specifically a six-month secondment at the University of Calabria to conduct EPR (Electron Paramagnetic Resonance) spectroscopy. Additionally, a background or strong interest in AI and machine learning methods is beneficial.

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.