PhD Student or Postdoc (f / m / x) for the project Theory and Algorithms for Structure Determination from Single Molecule X-Ray Scattering Images

PhD Student or Postdoc (f / m / x) for the project Theory and Algorithms for Structure Determination from Single Molecule X-Ray Scattering Images

Scientists

Job Code : 02-26

Job Offer from January 28, 2026

The Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences is a leading international research institute of exceptional scientific breadth. With more than 40 research groups and some 1,000 employees from over 50 nations, it is the largest institute of the Max Planck Society.

The Department of Theoretical and Computational Biophysics headed by (Prof. Dr. Helmut Grubmüller) is inviting applications for a

PhD Student or Postdoc (f / m / x)

for the project

Theory and Algorithms for Structure Determination from Single Molecule X-Ray Scattering Images

Project description

Single molecule X-ray scattering experiments with free electron lasers offer a new route to the structure determination of biomolecules. Due to the super-low signal-to-noise-ratio, computing the structure from such data is challenging, and new theoretical methods and algorithms are required. The research project aims at deriving priors for Bayesian methods from atomistic simulations and machine learning. It also offers the opportunity to work with data from the European XFEL facility at DESY.

Your profile

Eligible candidates have strong skills in computational physics and probability theory and great interest in interdisciplinary research and collaboration with experimental groups.

PhD students hold (or expect to complete soon) a Masters or equivalent degree in physics, mathematics or any related field; correspondingly, Postdocs hold a PhD or equivalent degree in the above mentioned fields.

What we offer

• State of the art on-site high performance / GPU compute facilities
• Competitive research in an inspiring, world-class environment
• A wide range of offers to help you balance work and family life
• Further training opportunities and free in-house language courses

The group language is English, so no German language skills are required – but it is a great opportunity for you to learn German. The historic city of Göttingen, located in the heart of Germany, offers great outdoors and cultural opportunities, a vibrant student scene, and an impressive scientific heritage.

Position Details

PhD students will have the opportunity to participate in one of several available PhD programs, with three years funding, in collaboration with the University of Göttingen. Masters students aiming at a fast track PhD are also welcome. The Postdoc position is limited to two years with a possibility of extension. Payment and benefits are based on the wage agreement for public service personnel (TVöD Bund) guidelines. We would like to fill the position as soon as possible, but the exact start date is flexible.

The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and, therefore, encourages applications from such qualified individuals. The Max Planck Society strives for diversity and gender equality and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.

Application

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Please submit your application including a cover letter (explaining background and motivation), a CV and transcripts (translated to English or German, if applicable) via e-mail and as a single PDF file to :

Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences

Department of Theoretical and Computational Biophysics

Prof. Dr. Helmut Grubmüller

Am Faßberg 11

37077 Göttingen

Germany

Social Media :  CompBioPhys