Three PhD positions in ML-guided directed evolution

University of Groningen via AcademicTransfer; Netherlands; On-site; EUR 32,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully funded

Job summary

Three fully funded PhD positions (4 years) at the University of Groningen or the Technical University of Eindhoven within the ML‑GUIDE project, merging directed evolution, sequencing, and deep learning to accelerate design of biomolecules with therapeutic or catalytic potential. You will be embedded in one of three research groups and focus on engineering a biomolecule and its function, supervised by senior researchers.

Start between 01-11-2026 and 01-03-2026.

Qualifications

• MSc degree (or equivalent) in (Bio)chemistry, Biotechnology, Computational Chemistry, Synthetic Chemistry/Biology or related field.
• Experience in directed evolution, molecular machine learning, sequencing or synthetic chemistry is highly preferred.
• Interest in inter-disciplinary work at the interface of synthetic biology, ML and chemistry.
• Research-oriented, analytical, and well-organised with good communication.

Responsibilities

• Develop a first-in-class ML-guided design framework for biomolecules.
• Merge directed evolution, sequencing and deep learning to accelerate cycles.
• Collaborate with three groups to engineer a biomolecule and its function.
• Contribute to a cross-disciplinary team and publish results.

Skills

Directed evolution

Molecular machine learning

Next-generation sequencing

Synthetic chemistry

Education

MSc degree in related field

Job description

Biological sciences » Biological engineering

Biological sciences » Biology

Engineering » Chemical engineering

Organisation/Company University of Groningen Research Field Biological sciences » Biological engineering Biological sciences » Biology Chemistry » Biochemistry Engineering » Biomaterial engineering Engineering » Chemical engineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 14 Oct 2026 - 22:00 (UTC) Country Netherlands Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Not Applicable Hours Per Week 38.0 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

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 miniscule 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.

(1) Dr. Robert Pollice ( https://pollicegroup.web.rug.nl/ ) leads the Artificial Organic Chemistry Lab at the University of Groningen and will supervise a project focusing on developing efficient peptide catalysts for powerful C‑C‑bond forming reactions.

(2) Prof. Francesca Grisoni ( https://molecularmachinelearning.com/ ) leads the Molecular Machine Learning Group at the Technical University Eindhoven and will lead a project on designing potent cyclic‑peptide drugs for therapeutic intervention.

(3) Prof. Clemens Mayer ( https://mayerlab.nl/ ) leads the Molecular Evolution Group at the University of Groningen and will tackle a project 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.

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.

Additional Information

What can you expect from us?

• 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.

Information about applying

When scheduling meetings, we will take your schedule into account as much as possible. The University of Groningen considers social safety important. We strive to be a university where staff and students feel respected and at home, regardless of differences in background, experiences, perspectives, and identity. For more information, see also our page about our diversity policy.

Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the NVP application code

Additional comments

Do you have any questions or need more information?

Questions about the content of the job?
Clemens Mayer (Associate Professor): [e-mail]

Questions about your application process?
Clemens Mayer (Associate Professor): [e-mail]