Summary
Ghent University is seeking a dedicated Post-doctoral researcher in computational physics to join the Biophysical Models for Medical Applications (BioMMedA) research group. This role is part of the highly competitive ERC Consolidator Grant “PASTIME,” which focuses on developing innovative methodologies to study the kinetics of molecular processes, such as drug transport and membrane permeation, using advanced molecular simulations.
Post-doctoral researcher in molecular modeling, Ghent University, Belgium
Designation
Post-doctoral researcher
Location
Ghent University, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture (Department: EA06 – Elektronica en Informatiesystemen), Ghent, Belgium.
Research Area
Computational Physics, Molecular Modeling, Biophysics, and Nonequilibrium Kinetics.
Job Details
| Attribute | Details |
| Job ID | 30191 |
| Occupancy Rate | 100% |
| Number of Positions | 1 |
| Type of Employment | Contract of limited duration |
| Term of Assignment | 01/10/2026 – 31/08/2028 |
| Wage Scale | PD1 to PD4 (doctoral degree) |
| Required Diploma | PhD |
Job Description
The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Prof. An Ghysels and will be responsible for:
- Primary Focus: Extending the path sampling methodology to incorporate nonequilibrium kinetics. This is crucial for understanding cell death caused by photoporation treatments and for increasing sampling efficiency with alchemical transformations between quantum mechanical, all-atom classical, and coarse-grained representations.
- Collaborative Tasks:
- Developing new methods to simulate drug transport through cell membranes, including membrane permeability calculations.
- Creating new screening methods for the binding kinetics of candidate cancer drugs to protein binding sites for applications in precision medicine.
- Collaboration: Working closely with local networks (like the Cancer Research Institute Ghent) and international groups (e.g., NTNU in Norway).
Eligibility/Qualification
- Education: Hold a PhD in computational physics (or a related field) or have successfully defended your PhD thesis before the start date.
- Technical Skills:
- Excellent theoretical skills in physics/mathematics for method development.
- High proficiency in algorithms, scientific programming (e.g., Python), and analyzing large datasets of complex molecular systems.
- Extended experience with molecular simulations is highly desirable.
- Knowledge Base: Familiarity with statistical physics, biophysics, or material physics is ideal. Knowledge of biology or chemistry is an asset, though not strictly required.
- Soft Skills: Must possess an analytical, problem-solving mindset, a strong work ethic, and an open, collaborative attitude suited for teamwork.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the Ghent University e-recruitment system. Please ensure your application includes the following documents (maximum file size 10 MB per field):
- CV Field: A combined PDF of your Curriculum Vitae and a list of your publications. Your CV must include exact dates (month/year) and locations for your studies and positions, the exact/anticipated date of your PhD, and contact details for two professors willing to provide a letter of recommendation.
- Cover Letter Field: Your motivation letter in PDF format.
- Diploma Field: A transcript of your PhD degree. (If the diploma is not in Dutch, French, German, or English, include a translation in one of these languages).
- Other Documents Field: A combined PDF containing the transcripts of your Bachelor’s and Master’s academic records, along with a PDF of your PhD thesis.
Note: Incomplete applications or those sent via email will not be considered.
Last Date for Apply
31 August 2026 at 23:59 (Brussels Time)
