PhD candidate (m / f / d), 26 hours / week

Job vacancy No. 096-2023

The Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden is a non-university research institute and a member of the Leibniz Association. It has gained world-wide reputation for its application-oriented basic research on new polymer materials for future technologies, e.g. in the fields of energy, mobility, health, sustainability, and communication, and it supports the transfer of research results into application. The research work is carried out on the basis of state-of-the-art technical equipment in interdisciplinary cooperations between the five institutes of the IPF and embedded in numerous national and international cooperations. The IPF promotes young scientists and is certified as a family-friendly employer according to the Audit berufundfamilie®. The institute currently employs around 500 persons. Further information at .

The IPF-Institute of Theory of Polymers is looking for a

PhD candidate (m / f / d), 26 hours / week

in the field of biomolecular condensates.

Description :

The dynamic formation of biomolecular condensates within cells plays a key role in vital processes such as cellular organization, signaling, and stress response. However, the majority of in vitro studies focuses primarily on purified bulk solutions, which systematically ignore confinement effects and the molecular diversity encountered in living cells. In order to address this knowledge gap, we plan to develop in silico models of protonuclei to establish a molecular-level framework for understanding the synergistic effects of molecular crowding and membrane deformation. For example, we plan to use coarse-grained simulations to investigate how the nuclear matrix affects the phase behavior and dynamics of biomolecular condensates.

Your profile :

The candidate should have a master degree or an equivalent qualification for pursuing a PhD in theoretical / computational physics. Experience in programming and simulations is desirable.

We offer : A position in a leading research institute, combined with a highly specialised working environment where you can implement your own ideas and work with a diverse and inclusive team and our international partners.

Salary : According to German pay grade TV-L EG 13

Starting date :  October 2023

Duration :  3 Years

The IPF Dresden strives for gender equality and diversity in all fields. Applications by people with severe disabilities will be given preference if they are equally qualified. Moreover, as the IPF would like to raise the proportion of women in fields where they are underrepresented, women in particular are invited to apply.

Full applications should include a 2-page curriculum vitae, a 1-page letter of motivation, certificates, 2-3 references and expected availability date and should be emailed as a single PDF to the Human Resources Department. Please also indicate the number of the Job vacancy.

Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e. V.

Frau Susanne Otto

Human Resources Department