The DFG-funded international Research Training Group GRK2662 "Charging into the future: understanding the interaction of polyelectrolytes with biosystems" aims to gain a better understanding of the molecular interactions between polyelectrolytes such as DNA, proteins or heparin with complex biological systems. A special feature of the Research Training Group is the close, complementary cooperation between scientists from Freie Universität Berlin (Germany), McGill University, Montréal, and the University of British Columbia, Vancouver (Canada).
The international research training group GRK2662 offers
• Positions for research assistants with the possibility of a doctorate,
• structured academic training in an international research environment, including participation in a variety of research-specific and career-enhancing training courses and events,
• integration into an interdisciplinary international research network
• and the opportunity for research stays in the laboratories of the Canadian partner institutions.

Job description:
Subproject A1, headed by Prof. Dr. Roland Netz, is dedicated to a deeper understanding of the interaction of proteins with polyelectrolytes. To advance the molecular understanding and modeling of polyelectrolyte/protein interactions, molecular dynamics (MD) models are combined with analytical scale models and compared with experimental data from isothermal titration calorimetry and microscale thermophoresis for different temperatures and salt concentrations. The tasks include MD simulations of polyelectrolyte-peptide interactions in water with optimized ion force fields and the comparison of simulation results with experimental data from collaborative projects.
Further project information can be found at www.grk2662.de.

Requirements:
Applicants should have an M.Sc. or Diplom degree in physics, biophysics, theoretical chemistry or related subjects and must fulfill the requirements for admission to the doctoral program of the Department of Physics at Freie Universität Berlin.

Desirable:
• Experience with MD simulations of liquids and polymers and the evaluation of simulation results
• Experience with methods of static mechanics, stochastics and quantum chemistry
• High motivation to work independently and scientifically
• Very good written and spoken English skills
• Good communication skills and willingness to work in collaborations and teams

We look forward to receiving your application, which should include the following documents:
• A one-page letter of motivation why you want to work in Project A1, together with details of previous research experience and future goals
• Your CV (including a list of publications if applicable),
• Evidence of your academic achievements including copies of your Bachelor's and Master's or Diploma degrees,
• At least two letters of support.

The position is limited until the end of the current funding of the Research Training Group (31.03.2026). An extension of the funding is being sought.
Please send applications together with all documents, stating the reference code, by e-mail in PDF format (preferably as one document) to bewerbung@grk2662.de

For further information, please contact Dr. Svenja Herziger (bewerbung@grk2662.de/ +49 30 838-65340).