University: Medical University of Graz
Country: Austria
Deadline: 2026-03-22
Overview
Are you passionate about unraveling the molecular mechanisms that underpin human health and disease? Do you aspire to use advanced computational tools to drive discoveries in ion channel biology and drug design? If so, the Medical University of Graz invites you to apply for two fully funded PhD positions in the Laboratory of Computer-Aided Molecular Design—an exceptional opportunity to launch your research career at the interface of computational biology, structural biochemistry, and translational medicine.
About the University
The Medical University of Graz, located in the vibrant city of Graz, Austria, is one of Europe’s leading institutions for medical research and education. With a tradition of scientific excellence and a strong commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, the university fosters an environment where innovation and curiosity thrive. Graz itself is Austria’s second‑largest city, known for its rich cultural heritage, high quality of life, and dynamic international community. The university’s research infrastructure is state‑of‑the‑art, and its close ties to clinical and experimental research centres make it an ideal setting for cutting‑edge biomedical research. Austria offers a favourable environment for international students and researchers, with a high standard of living, excellent public services, and a central location in Europe that facilitates academic networking and mobility.
Research Topic and Significance
The two available PhD positions focus on the computational modelling of ion channels—proteins that play essential roles in cellular signalling, physiology, and disease. The first project investigates the molecular dynamics of human TRPC channels under (patho)physiological conditions, while the second explores cholesterol binding on SK3 K+ channels. Ion channels are central to processes such as neurotransmission, cardiac function, and cellular homeostasis. Their dysregulation is implicated in a wide range of diseases, including cardiopathies, cancer, neurological and respiratory disorders. Understanding their structure, dynamics, and interactions with ligands or lipids can uncover new therapeutic targets and strategies for drug development. These projects leverage the latest advancements in molecular simulation, machine learning, and collaborative experimental validation to address fundamental questions in ion channel biology and pharmacology.
Project Details
The positions are hosted in the Laboratory of Computer‑Aided Molecular Design at the Medical University of Graz, under the guidance of Dr. Pedro Sanchez Murcia. Both projects offer close collaboration with experimental teams, ensuring that computational findings are iteratively validated and refined.
* The first PhD project centres on the molecular modelling of human TRPC channels, aiming to elucidate how amino‑acid mutations affect channel function, dynamics and disease association. The student will use all‑atom simulations, metadynamics, accelerated Gaussian molecular dynamics and coarse‑grained approaches to generate conformational ensembles and predict the impact of mutations or ligand binding.
* The second PhD project is part of the FWF‑funded initiative “Role of cholesterol in the regulation of SK3 K+ channels”, led by Johannes Kepler University Linz in collaboration with the Medical University of Graz and the University of Graz. The focus is on modelling cholesterol binding to SK3 channels and identifying structural determinants of channel regulation through advanced simulation and deep‑learning methods.
Candidate Profile
Ideal applicants for these positions will have a strong background in computational biology, biochemistry, biophysics, molecular modelling or related fields. Applicants should demonstrate a keen interest in structural biology, ion channel function and computational methods such as molecular dynamics simulations and machine learning for biological systems. Prior experience with simulation packages, protein modelling or bioinformatics is advantageous but not strictly required. Successful candidates will be motivated, collaborative and eager to engage with both computational and experimental aspects of biomedical research. A mindset geared toward problem‑solving, critical thinking and interdisciplinary communication will be highly valued.
Application Process
The application deadline for both positions is 22 March 2026. The expected start date is 1 October 2026. Interested candidates should visit the official recruitment portal at https://phd-recruiting.medunigraz.at and follow the instructions provided there for submitting their application. For more information about the positions and the application process, refer to the official advertisement or the original LinkedIn post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/pedroasanchezmurcia_description-of-the-two-phd-positions-ugcPost-7430720904789364737-hItD
Conclusion
These PhD positions offer a unique opportunity to contribute to high‑impact research at the crossroads of computational modelling and biomedical discovery. If you are driven by curiosity and a desire to make meaningful contributions to science and medicine, we encourage you to apply and join a vibrant, international research community.
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