Join us in shaping the future at the intersection of life sciences and engineering. The structured Graduate School Life Science Engineering at TU Darmstadt is seeking excellent international PhD students to join the EU MSCA-COFUND program trainLSE. Following a successful first call, we are now opening the second call for applications and invite highly motivated and talented candidates to become part of our vibrant research community. Prof. Heinz Koeppl - Self-Organizing Systems Postition 1: AI-Methods for molecular design and synthetic biology The Self-Organizing Systems Lab (SOS) is performing research in synthetic biology at the intersection of computational modeling and wet-lab biology research for molecular circuit design. As part of a collaborative research project, we are seeking reinforcement for research in the field of deep generative AI and computer-aided design methods for synthetic biology. The tasks include the development of AI methods, in particular deep sequence models and diffusion models, for the design of novel biomolecules such as transcription factors, regulatory RNAs, and structural proteins. We offer a dynamic, interdisciplinary research environment closely connected to current developments in AI and biotechnology, as well as the opportunity to combine theoretical and experimental approaches in innovative ways. Ideal candidates should hold a degree in computer science, mathematics, theoretical physics or electrical engineering. Position 2: Bottom-up construction of artificial cells The Self-Organizing Systems Lab (SOS) is performing research in synthetic biology at the intersection of computational modeling and wet-lab biology research for molecular circuit design. We are looking to fill a research position in the domain of synthetic/artificial cells. The aim of the project is to construct programmable cell compartments based on liposomes and polymersomes that can be functionalized with channels, transporters and receptors. The compartments should then be combined with gene-regulatory circuits running of cell-free transcription/translation systems. The goal is to de-novo design molecular Sense-Compute-Response systems that can realise basic homeostatic and signal processing operations. Microfluidics for the high-throughput generation are available with the group. Ideal candidates should hold a degree in biochemistry, polymer chemistry or biophysics. Position 3: Design of gene-therapeutic circuits The Self-Organizing Systems Lab (SOS) is performing research in synthetic biology at the intersection of computational modeling and wet-lab biology research for molecular circuit design. Within this project, you will develop synthetic biology methods for the design of gene-therapeutic circuits in the context of cancer. Your tasks include the design of molecular components for gene regulatory networks, as well as the characterization and optimization of such genetic circuits using high-throughput assays. You will conduct expression studies of non-coding RNAs across different human cell lines and integrate genetic circuits into selected cell lines to experimentally evaluate their functional impact. This includes apoptosis analysis, RNA and protein expression profiling, and immunofluorescence imaging. Ideal candidates should hold a degree in molecular biology or biochemistry. Please read the application requirements and selection process carefully BEFORE applying. Eligibility criteria Applicants must not be in the possession of a doctoral degree An excellent Master degree in life sciences or engineering disciplines, obtained no more than 5 years ago Applicants must not have been resident in Germany for more than 12 months in the last three years before application deadline (exceptions: compulsory military service, refugee status) ? Applicants finishing their Master’s after the deadline may still apply. In this case, upload your Bachelor’s certificate instead. Application requirements Applications must be submitted exclusively via the online form. Email submissions will not be considered. Required documents CV Motivation letter BSc and MSc certificates and transcripts at least two references (contact details) proof of English proficiency (certificate, university confirmationm or prior academic work in English) We strongly encourage applicants to submit their own research proposal️ Full-time employment contract form TUDa, co-funded by the EU until the end of the program in March 2029 International and structured PhD program Interdisciplinary supervision and research environment Extracurricular seminars and training for developing transferable skills Mobility grant for conducting research abroad