Vacature Three PhD positions in ML-guided directed evolution

Three PhD positions in ML-guided directed evolution in Groningen

Are you passionate about combining the directed evolution of diverse biomolecules with deep learning approaches and contributing to the development of better (bio)catalysts and drugs? We are offering three fully-funded, 4-year PhD positions at the University of Groningen or the Technical University of Eindhoven.

What are you going to do?

Evolution is an all-purpose problem solver, which researchers mimic in the laboratory to engineer tailor-made (bio)molecules that aid us in combating diseases and in realizing a sustainable economy. While effective, such directed evolution campaigns are not only laborious and time-consuming, but also cover only a minuscule fraction of the unimaginably large sequence space available. As a result, means to guide evolutionary trajectories along a biomolecule's fitness landscape are sought-after, as they could greatly accelerate evolutionary searches.

Within the framework of the recently funded ML-GUIDE project, we will make directed evolution guidable and, ultimately, predictable by machine learning. Specifically, you will build a first-in-class framework to expedite the design of high-affinity binders that engage with therapeutic targets or efficient (bio)catalysts for synthetic applications. By seamlessly merging cutting-edge directed evolution, next-generation sequencing, and deep learning approaches, you will establish accelerated Design-Build-Test-Learn cycles to continuously improve models via active learning and guide evolutionary trajectories toward promising but otherwise inaccessible sequence spaces.

You will be embedded in one of the three research groups involved in the ML-GUIDE project and focus your efforts on guiding engineering efforts for one particular biomolecule and its associated function.

• Dr. Robert Pollice ( Artificial Organic Chemistry Lab, University of Groningen ) focuses on developing efficient peptide catalysts for powerful C–C-bond forming reactions.
• Prof. Francesca Grisoni ( Molecular Machine Learning Group, Technical University Eindhoven ) leads a project on designing potent cyclic-peptide drugs for therapeutic intervention.
• Prof. Clemens Mayer ( Molecular Evolution Group, University of Groningen ) works on making the directed evolution of biocatalysts predictable by machine learning.

As part of the ML-GUIDE team, you will closely collaborate with researchers to identify commonalities and distinct aspects of engineering biomolecules for diverse applications!

The preferred starting date is between 01-11-2026 and 01-03-2026.

Who are you?

We are looking for creative, motivated, and determined candidates, who meet the following requirements:

• An MSc degree (or an equivalent university degree) in (Bio)chemistry, Biotechnology, Computational Chemistry, Synthetic Chemistry/Biology or a related field.
• Experience in one of the following areas is highly preferred: directed evolution, molecular machine learning, next-generation sequencing, or synthetic chemistry.
• An interest in working as part of a highly interdisciplinary team at the interface of synthetic biology, molecular machine learning, and synthetic chemistry.
• A research-oriented attitude with good analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and organization skill.

What can you expect from us?

• In accordance with the collective labor agreement for Dutch universities, we offer a salary of at least €3.204 up to a maximum of €4.051 (gross per month for a full-time employment contract).
• 232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38-hour workweek (1.0 FTE). You can also work more or fewer hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours. For example, with a 40-hour workweek, you save 96 extra free hours, and with a 36-hour workweek, you lose 96 hours.
• End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance.
• Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.
• Promovendus: 1 year + 3 year

Where will you be working?

At the University of Groningen (UG), researchers from all fields of academia and technology are working on academic challenges and societal questions. Lecturers prepare their students for meaningful careers within or outside the academic world. Interdisciplinary research and teaching, sharing of knowledge, collaboration with businesses, government institutions, and societal organizations are aspects that are of the utmost importance to this European top university. The UG aims to be an open academic community with an inclusive and safe working climate that invites you to add your value.

De Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) verzorgt onderwijs en onderzoek in een breed spectrum van disciplines, van natuurkunde en biologie tot kunstmatige intelligentie, werktuigbouwkunde en farmacie. We dragen in nauwe samenwerking met partners uit bedrijfsleven, medische wereld en maatschappij bij aan de urgente uitdagingen van onze tijd, zoals energie, duurzaamheid, digitalisering en medische technologie. Onze gemeenschap heeft een open en informeel karakter, met meer dan 7.000 studenten, 1.000 promovendi en 1.400 medewerkers van over de hele wereld. Wil je meer weten over de Faculty of Science and Engineering? Kijk dan op rug.nl/fse.

The University of Groningen is a research university, currently in or around the top 100 on several influential ranking lists. The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) is the largest faculty within the University, offering first-rate education and research in a wide range of science and engineering disciplines. In this position, you would be embedded in the Stratingh Institute for Chemistry.

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to develop innovative solutions to complex societal challenges. In this position, you would be embedded in the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems and in the Eindhoven AI Systems Institute.

Application procedure

1. Step 2: Selectie
2. Step 3: Eerste gesprek

   We leren elkaar graag beter kennen tijdens een eerste gesprek, dat zowel online als op locatie kan plaatsvinden.

3. Step 4: Tweede gesprek en mogelijk assessment of gastcollege

   Mogelijk plannen we nog een tweede gesprek met je in. Dit gesprek kan, afhankelijk van de functie, worden aangevuld met een assessment of gastcollege.

4. Step 5: Het arbeidsvoorwaardengesprek

   Na een positief gesprek, nemen we samen de arbeidsvoorwaarden door.

Interested?

Does this vacancy appeal to you? Please add the following documents to your application:

• A letter stating (1) your motivation to apply, (2) your key qualities relevant for this position, and (3) which research group in the ML-GUIDE consortium you would like to join.
• An up-to-date curriculum vitae.
• Diplomas (BSc and MSc (if available)) and transcript of records.
• Contact information of two academic references.