1 Marie Curie doctoral position at the BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION ACADEMY OF ATHENS (BRFAA), Greece

Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece

Application deadline: 31 Mar 2026

A doctoral candidate position has become available within the EU-funded Marie Skłodowska Curie Doctoral Network in the LowDataML Doctoral Network (Low Data Machine Learning for Sustainable Chemical Sciences) under Grant Agreement No. 101226058, at the BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION ACADEMY OF ATHENS (BRFAA), Greece, the details are found below. 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The LowDataML project aims to train 10 doctoral researchers to pioneer low-data machine learning (ML) approaches for the chemical and life sciences, promoting sustainable and resource-efficient innovation in drug discovery, reaction optimization, and molecular design.

The network brings together academic and industrial partners from across Europe and Canada to advance AI-driven, eco-friendly chemical research with real-world impact.

Project website

JOB OFFER DETAILS

They provide a structured 36-month PhD training programme within the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network LowDataML (Low Data Machine Learning for Sustainable Chemical Sciences). The programme offers cutting-edge research and training at the intersection of machine learning, computational chemistry, biophysics, bioinformatics, and drug discovery.

The earliest starting date is 1 April 2026, and the latest is 1 July 2026.

They are looking for a highly motivated and talented early-stage researcher eager to pursue doctoral studies in the fields of AI-driven molecular design, computational drug discovery, and physical chemistry of biological systems. Applicants should hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Computational Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, or related disciplines. Previous experience in machine learning, molecular dynamics, or computational chemistry is desirable. Excellent command of spoken and written English, communication skills, and the ability to work in a collaborative international environment are essential.

They offer a stimulating and interdisciplinary research environment with access to state-of-the-art computational and experimental facilities and a strong track record of collaboration between academia and industry. In addition to individual training-through-research, fellows will participate in network-wide workshops, summer schools, transferable skills courses, and international secondments at partner institutions.

The following eligibility rules apply for participation in a Marie Skłodowska Curie Innovative Doctoral Network:

Applicants must be in the first 4 years after obtaining their Master´s degree and/or Bachelor’s degree and must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the host country for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date. In addition, local regulations of the host countries may apply. The salary is based on standard living, mobility and family allowances which are adapted to the respective country of recruitment.

AVAILABLE POSITIONS

ESR 1: Design of novel c-Myc inhibitors

Host Organisation: BRFAA

Scientist-in-Charge: Dr. Zoe Cournia

Contact email: Applicants should apply by email to zcournia@bioacademy.gr indicating Reference: LowDataML_DC7.

Objectives: The PhD project aims to design novel c-Myc inhibitors using advanced machine learning (ML) methods. c-Myc deregulation is associated with poor prognosis in cancer and has long been considered an "undruggable" target. The successful candidate will:

• Train N-shot neural networks (e.g., Siamese networks) on fingerprints of known c-Myc–Max inhibitors to identify new putative inhibitors.
• Explore large chemical databases (ZINC, ChEMBL) and apply virtual screening to reduce the search space for drug discovery.
• Evaluate candidate molecules using molecular dynamics simulations and empirical scoring functions.
• Run biophysical (CD, microscale thermophoresis) and cell-based assays for validation.

Expected Results:

1. Development of a robust N-shot neural network for novel inhibitor discovery.
2. Identification of new small molecules disrupting c-Myc–Max dimerization.

Planned Secondement: The PhD candidate will have research stays (secondments) at:

• UCAM (University of Cambridge) – 3 months, chemical biology
• FUB (Free University of Berlin) – 3 months, physics-based modelling
• ARQ (Arquimea Research Centre) – 3 months, deep learning for structure-based drug design

Enrolment in Doctoral degree(s): The candidate will be enrolled in the doctoral program of BRFAA (Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens).

Specific Requirements:

• Must hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Chemistry, Physics, or related fields.
• Experience in machine learning, molecular dynamics, or computational drug design.
• Programming skills (Python, PyTorch, TensorFlow).
• Familiarity with cheminformatics and molecular simulation software.
• Excellent command of English (written and spoken).

CONTACT

ORGANISATION/COMPANY: Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens

DEPARTMENT: Clinical, Experimental Surgery & Translational Research

ORGANISATION TYPE: Research Center (Institute)

WEBSITE: http://www.drugdesign.gr 

E-MAIL: zcournia@bioacademy.gr

COUNTRY: Greece

CITY: Athens

STATE/PROVINCE: Attiki

POSTAL CODE: 115 27

STREET: 4 Soranou Ephessiou Street

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

BENEFITS

• Full-time employment for 36 months under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network framework.
• Attractive salary in line with MSCA rules, including:
• Living allowance
• Mobility allowance
• Family allowance (if applicable)
• Access to state-of-the-art computational and experimental facilities.
• Participation in international workshops, transferable-skills training, and research secondments across Europe.
• Expected start date: 1 May 2026

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

The following eligibility rules apply for participation in a Marie Skłodowska Curie Innovative Training Network:

• Less than 4 years of full-time research experience and no PhD at the time of recruitment.
• Must not have resided or carried out main activity (work, study, etc.) in Greece for more than 12 months in the 36 months before recruitment.

SELECTION PROCESS

Applications will be evaluated by a selection committee based on merit, motivation, and research potential.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview.

BRFAA is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in science.

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Application Documents

• Curriculum Vitae (max. 3 pages)
• Motivation letter
• Academic transcripts
• Contact details of two referees

Applications should be sent to: zcournia@bioacademy.gr

with the subject line: “Application for PhD position – LowDataML BRFAA”