PhD Position in Physics for MSCA-DN “MS-RADAM” – Reactive Force Fields for Radiation Chemistry Carl von Ossietzky University in Germany

The MS-RADAM (“MultiScale phenomena in RAdiation DAMage”) European Doctoral Network, funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) programme, offers a PhD position at Carl von Ossietzky University in Oldenburg, Germany. This interdisciplinary project unites leading academic and industrial partners from eight European countries to advance the understanding of radiation-induced biodamage phenomena, with applications in particle therapy, radiotherapy, and radioprotection. The research focuses on the formation of DNA strand breaks by ionising radiation, DNA repair, radiosensitisation by metal nanoparticles, cell survival, and radioresistance.

The successful candidate will join the Institute of Physics and work on the DC3 project, 'Reactive force fields for radiation chemistry.' The project aims to develop quantitative descriptions of molecular biological media under ionising radiation using Reactive Molecular Dynamics (RMD) methodology. The research will involve computational multiscale modelling (DFT/TDDFT, collision theory, molecular dynamics, stochastic dynamics, Monte Carlo, and analytical methods) and validation through advanced experimental techniques (mass spectrometry, electron microscopy, radiochemistry, and radiobiology experiments with biomolecular and biological systems).

Carl von Ossietzky University is a research-oriented public institution with recognized strengths in energy research, environmental sciences, neuroscience, and digital transformation. The university provides a supportive, interdisciplinary research environment, modern infrastructure, and extensive doctoral training opportunities. The position offers international mobility, secondments to partner organizations, and training in transferable skills such as research management, communication, and career development.

Applicants must hold a qualifying university degree (diploma, master's or equivalent) in physics, physical chemistry, chemical physics, or a related field, and have proven experience with software tools for computer simulations (quantum chemistry calculations, molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo simulations, etc.). Excellent English language skills, motivation, reliability, and the ability to work in an international environment are essential. Candidates must comply with the MSCA mobility rule (not have lived or worked in Germany for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to recruitment), not already hold a doctoral degree, and meet all admission requirements for the PhD program at Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg.

The position is funded through the EU MSCA Doctoral Network, offering an annual salary within the program range, monthly mobility supplement, and family allowance (if eligible). The contract is for 36 months, full-time, and fixed-term. Candidates of all nationalities and genders are welcome to apply. The application deadline is 15 April 2026, and the start date is 1 July 2026.

To apply, send your full CV, diploma, marks and grades, motivation letter, and two recommendation letters as a single PDF to [email protected] before 15 April 2026. Include 'MS-RADAM DC3 Application' in the email subject and the GDPR consent clause in the email body. Incomplete applications will not be considered. For further details, visit MS-RADAM DC research projects, University of Oldenburg, and QuantBioLab.