PhD Positions in Enzyme Discovery and AI Protein Design at Ghent University Ghent University in Belgium

Ghent University is advertising 2 PhD positions in enzyme discovery and AI protein design within the group of Prof. Tom Desmet. The project focuses on enzymes that convert renewable plant biomass into valuable sugars and derivatives, combining computational and experimental approaches.

The doctoral researchers will work on computational pipelines for enzyme discovery, AI-based protein design, enzyme evolution, and experimental enzyme characterization in the lab. The project is part of the FWO-funded EXPEDITION project and is carried out in collaboration with TU Graz, with a possible research stay in Graz.

Eligibility: applicants should hold or soon obtain a Master’s degree in Bioscience Engineering, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related field. Strong interest in molecular biology and protein science is expected; programming experience (for example Python) is a plus. Excellent written and spoken English, teamwork, communication skills, and motivation to tackle complex scientific challenges are important.

Funding: this is a full-time doctoral fellowship, initially for 12 months and extendable up to 48 months after positive evaluation. The fellowship is tax-free if it meets the doctoral fellowship regulations.

Deadline: the official vacancy page lists the last application date as 24 May 2026, 23:59. Applicants should submit a CV, diploma copy (if available), and motivation letter by email to [email protected].