Two PhD student positions in AI-assisted antibiotic research

Publiceringsdatum: 2025-03-27

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Jobbannons

The Antibiotic Research Group led by Associate Professor Michaela Wenzel is looking to hire two PhD students to work on a project on the AI-assisted discovery and characterization of peptides effective against the mycolic acid layer of mycobacteria, in particular Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Information about the project and division

In a joint project, two PhD students will explore newly discovered peptides, so-called MAPPs (mycolic acid layer-permeabilizing peptides). These peptides are able to inactivate the outer layer of mycobacteria, the causative agents of life-threatening diseases like tuberculosis and leprosy. This layer, which consists of mycolic acids (hence called mycolic acid layer), makes mycobacteria extremely impermeable to drugs, precluding the use of the majority of antibiotics. MAPPs are a new strategy to strip mycobacteria off this protective coat and open up applications of drugs that would otherwise never work against these deadly pathogens. Moreover, MAPPs display selectivity for mycobacteria over other types of bacteria, promising increased efficacy and significantly lower side effects for patients and their microbiome. The project comprises the AI-assisted discovery and design, screening, mode of action analysis, and pre-clinical characterization of MAPPs.

The Antibiotic Research Group is embedded in the Division of Chemical Biology, providing a dymanic research environment that is home to several young and active research groups that work in biomolecules and their functions in cellular environments. Sharing a common goal to address urgent challenges related to human health, the division comprises a broad expertise ranging from single molecule biophysics to cellular and organismal biology. The division provides access to a cutting-edge techniques and instrumentation, e.g., diverse advanced microscopy techniques, nanotechnology, and protein and membrane biophysics.

Main responsibilities

One PhD position will combine dry-lab work involving artificial intelligence and iterative machine learning models with microbiological wet lab work. The second PhD position is planned to be wholly wet lab-based with a focus on microbiology and membrane biophysics. The project involves AI/ML, in silico peptide analysis, robotics-assisted compound screening , fluorescence microscopy and spectroscopy, electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, as well as diverse microbiological, biochemical, and biophysical techniques.

While the two PhD projects will be distinct, collaboration within the framework of the overarching project and the mutual exchange of ideas, skills, and expertise are firmly expected. The exact distribution of tasks between the positions, including the ratio of dry and wet lab work, is subject to discussion based on the skills and aspirations of the successful applicants.

In addition to performing their own research, the successful candidates are expected to participate in the supervision of Bachelor and Master theses and take on responsibilities in laboratory and instrument management. PhD students may also participate in course teaching.

Qualifications

The successful candidates must hold (or be close to the completion of) a Master of Science or equivalent degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedicine). A degree in a related discipline (e.g., Chemistry, Bioinformatics, Data Science) is eligible, if the course and/or thesis work is related or clearly applicable to biological/biomedical research.

Hands-on experience in either microbiology, AI/ML, drug discovery/design, or membrane biology/biophysics is required. Hands-on experience in more than one of these fields is ideal but not mandatory.

Excellent command of the English language in both oral and written communication is required. Swedish language skills are not necessary. Chalmers offers voluntary Swedish courses for PhD students.

Contract terms

Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

Starting dates are negotiable but the positions should be started under 2025.

What we offer

Chalmers provides a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 

Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure

The application should be written in English and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name)

• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name)

1-3 pages where you:

• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities)
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:

• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, e.g. TOEFL test results.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. 

Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered.

Application deadline: 05.05.2025

For questions, please contact:

Associate Professor Michaela Wenzel, Chemical Biology,

Wenzelm@chalmers.se

• ** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***