Are you passionate about cutting-edge research at the intersection of life sciences and engineering? We are looking for highly motivated PhD students eager to push boundaries in fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, electrical or mechanical engineering, computer science, or micro- and nanotechnology.
As a PhD student in our structured and international Graduate School Life Science Engineering, you will be part of a dynamic, interdisciplinary research community, working on innovative projects that drive scientific progress.
We offer:
- A unique, interdisciplinary PhD program tailored to your academic and professional growth
- Personalized supervision by a dedicated Thesis Advisory Committee
- A mobility allowance for research stays abroad and the participation in (inter)national conferences
- Extracurricular seminars and trainings in transferable skills
Join one of our research groups:
Prof. Cristina Cardoso
One focus of our research is how the mammalian genome is maintained through cell divisions and in response to endogenous and exogenous stress. The genome contains all the information to build hundreds of different cells and entire organisms and must be copied in every cell division. A single mistake could lead to tumor formation. Using live-cell and super-resolution techniques of genomically engineered cell lines, we investigate the spatio-temporal dynamics and regulation of genome replication in cells at different developmental stages comparing e. g. (embryonic) stem cells and tumor cells.
Another focus of our research is to investigate how writers and readers DNA modifications control the packing of the over 2 meters of DNA into the micrometer-sized cell nucleus. Using a combination of biochemical and cell biological techniques together with proteomics, we investigate how DNA modifications affect chromatin compartmentalization and how that impacts on genome activity and stability during cellular differentiation, reprogramming or disease.
Last not least, our smallest tools, the cell permeable peptides and nanobodies. We used this method to deliver substances including nanobodies into cells to engineer and investigate cellular functions.
The position is available initially for three years.
Prof. Felix Hausch
PhD wanted for proximity-based drug discovery
PhD position available in proximity-based drug discovery at the Technical University Darmstadt, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry. The project focuses on approaches to cell-type specifically target currently undruggable proteins using chemically induced proximity. The aim is to develop methods for identifying molecular glues and characterizing them in relevant cellular cancer models.
We are looking for PhD candidates with a Master’s degree in life sciences or (bio)chemistry, possessing a strong background in molecular biology and protein biochemistry techniques. The position offers training in cutting-edge molecular biology techniques, dedicated mentoring in an interdisciplinary and international group, and industry exposure within the PROXIDRUGS consortium and the MoProX initiative. The project is scheduled for 3+ years with a salary according to E13/50%.
For relevant literature, refer to Deutscher et al. (Chem Sci 2025), Geiger et al. (Angew Chem 2023), and Schäfer et al. (BMCL 2024). For further details, contact Prof. Felix Hausch (felix.hausch@tu-darmstadt.de) or visit this page.
PhD for in-cell structural biology
PhD position available in in-cell structural biology at the Technical University Darmstadt, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry. This project focuses on the functional and structural characterization of FKBP-Hsp90-steroid hormone receptor complexes using large-scale, site-specific, in-cell photo-crosslinking. The goal is to unravel key states and interaction partners of FKBP51, a crucial target for depression, obesity-induced diabetes, and pain.
We are seeking PhD candidates with a Master’s degree in life sciences or (bio)chemistry, possessing a strong background in molecular biology and protein biochemistry techniques. The position offers training in advanced molecular biology techniques, dedicated mentoring in an interdisciplinary and international group, and is scheduled for 3+ years with a salary according to E13/50%.
For relevant literature, see Baischew_Engel et al. (Nat Struct Mol Biol 2023). For further details, contact Prof. Felix Hausch (felix.hausch@tu-darmstadt.de) or visit this page.
Prof. Heinz Koeppl
PhD Position for AI-based Design of Synthetic Biology Circuits - 4 years
The Self-Organizing Systems Lab at the Centre for Synthetic Biology of TU Darmstadt is looking for several outstanding PhD students to join the team. The Lab is performing research in synthetic biology at the intersection of computational modelling and wet-lab biology research for molecular circuit design. Recent emphasis is placed on the use of generative AI and large language models (LLM) to design novel regulators and entire gene regulatory circuits. We implement fast design-build-test-learn cycles by directly validating designs within our wet-lab.
This project investigates therapeutic gene circuits for cancer with the focus on designing switchable mRNAs that can compute Boolean logic function. We will design novel assays for the high-throughput characterization of such systems and gene circuits in general and use this data to train large-scale AI models for in-silico design.
We seek talents having a master degree in molecular biology, chemistry or biophysics (wet-lab position) or a degree in computer science, theoretical physics, math or engineering (AI position) with the curiosity and the drive to work in a highly interdisciplinary team. Prior experience within the field of synthetic biology is a big plus.
Prof. Fatemeh Mirzapour
PhD position in vascularized organ-on-chip research - TU Darmstadt - 3 years
The Integrative Tissue Biology Lab at the Biology Department of TU Darmstadt is looking for a passionate and motivated PhD student to join our team and contribute to research on vascularized organ-on-chip platforms. Using microfluidic chips, live cell imaging and quantitative analysis, you will investigate how extracellular matrix mechanics, growth factors and flow conditions influence vessel formation and remodeling with applications in personalized medicine and drug testing. We offer a friendly, collaborative, international, and interdisciplinary environment that brings together scientists from the life sciences and engineering. You will have access to state-of-the-art microfluidic technology, high-resolution imaging, and computational modeling, as well as opportunities for graduate training, international collaboration, and career development.
Candidate Profile:
- We are looking for candidates with:
- Master's degree in life sciences, bio/nano/materials engineering, or a related field
- Experience in mammalian cell culture, fluorescence microscopy, image quantification, and statistical data analysis
- Knowledge of microfluidics, computational modeling, or computational tools (MATLAB/Python) is a plus
- Strong English communication and teamwork
Funding & Duration: 50% TV-TU Darmstadt E13, 3 years.
If you are interested, we'd love to hear from you!
Prof. Viktor Stein
The research group "Protein Engineering: Biosensing and Transport" led by Prof. Dr. Viktor Stein at the Department of Biology at the TU Darmstadt is offering a PhD position in protein engineering and synthetic biology.
The group takes a protein-centric approach to synthetic biology strategically focussing on the development of protein technologies – notably biosensors, protein switches, and nanopores – for different applications in basic research and biotechnology.
Parts of its work also entails a strong focus on the development and application of enabling technologies (e.g. DNA assembly methods and high throughput screening systems) that are combined with high-resolution analytical methods (e.g. electrophysiological measurements in lipid bilayers and live cell fluorescence microscopy in microfluidics).
Research projects are highly interdisciplinary as biomolecular and biochemical approaches are leveraged with the expertise of computational groups (e.g. to facilitate protein engineering endeavours with machine learning) and material scientists (e.g. to develop hybrid biosensors for in-field applications).
A 3-year contract (50% E13 TV-TUDa) is envisaged with the possibility of extension.
Key Papers:
Please review the application requirements and admission process carefully BEFORE submitting your application here.
Application deadline: April 3, 2025
If you are excited to join the Graduate School in Life Science Engineering, apply now via the online application platform.
We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming you to our team!
