PhD Candidate (f/m/d) - Stoev Research Group: DNA-based functional materials

Stoev Research Group Position

The Stoev research group at the Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems – Functional Molecular Systems (IBCS-FMS) investigates DNA-based functional materials at the interface of nanotechnology, biophysics, soft matter and information processing.

Your Tasks

The aim of the activity is the development and investigation of DNA-based hydrogels with sequence-programmable, thermodynamic and mechanical properties for data storage, biosensor technology and information processing.

Your activities in detail:

• Development of coarse-grained models for DNA nanostructures
• Execution of oxDNA simulation and LAMMPS simulations
• Investigations on structure-property relationships
• Analysis of DLS, DWS, rheology and rheo-FLUCS data
• Documentation and publication of results
• Oral and poster presentation at national and international meetings

Your Profile

• University studies in physics, chemistry, materials science, biophysics, computational science, bioengineering or related subjects
• Experience with molecular simulation
• Statistical Physics and Biophysics
• Soft Matter
• Computational Modelling
• Python, Matlab or comparable programming languages
• Ideally oxDNA, LAMMPS and HPC experience
• Very good knowledge of English
• Initiative and research orientation
• Can-do attitude, proactivity and willingness to learn

We Offer

• Science for Impact: Engage with topics of societal relevance — in an excellent scientific environment that enables change.
• Flexible Working Hours: Take advantage of flexible‑hours schemes, remote‑work options, and a 30‑day annual leave entitlement to achieve an optimal work‑life balance.
• Career‑Building and Developmental Opportunities: We provide you with a structured onboarding program, a broad spectrum of continuing‑education options, and personalised support, thereby fostering your individual growth.
• Family-friendliness: The “KIT‑Family +” program assists you in reconciling work and family life by offering childcare services, holiday activities, a parent‑child office space, and assistance with caring for relatives.
• Stay Healthy: Under the motto “Fit at KIT – Body, Mind and Soul,” we promote your well‑being through fitness classes and mental‑health programmes.
• Individualised Extra Benefits: Enjoy a corporate pension (VBL), a €25 monthly contribution toward a JobTicket BW, plus a broad selection of cultural and recreational programmes.

Job location: Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen (and Karlsruhe)

Salary: Salary category 13 TV-L; classification is based on personal and professional qualifications.

Contract duration: 3 years

For technical information, please contact Dr. Iliya Stoev: iliya.stoev@kit.edu 0721 608-28763

If you have general questions about the application process, please contact Sylvia Kaiser Personalservice (PSE): sylvia.kaiser@kit.edu +49 721 608-22438

Application up to: 2026-11-20 Job posting number: 424/2026

Tagged as: Life Sciences