PhD Opportunity in Chemical Biology, RNA–Ligand Interactions and Antibacterial Drug Discovery at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz in Germany

Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz is advertising a PhD studentship in chemical biology with a focus on RNA–ligand interactions and antibacterial drug discovery.

The project sits in the Barthels lab / Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences and combines several research directions: biomolecular spectroscopy to study RNA small-molecule interactions, biophysical assay development, drug discovery, and the establishment of Direct-to-Biology (D2B) nanoscale synthesis pipelines for ligand optimization. The lab also lists related methodological emphases such as organic synthesis of RNA-modification inhibitors, molecular assay development and drug screenings, biomolecular spectroscopy for RNA structure and dynamics, and development of chemical and computer-based tools for medicinal chemistry.

Applicants should have a background in biochemistry, chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related field. The post highlights motivation, strong research interest, commitment, and teamwork. The lab also welcomes Master, Bachelor, and internship students for theses and lab rotation projects in related areas.

The position is based in Mainz, Germany, with a preferred start date of September 2026. The post does not mention a deadline, stipend amount, or tuition details. To apply, prepare a motivation letter, CV, and copies of certificates, then email the application to [email protected]. Inquiries should come from institutional academic email addresses.