Marie Curie PhD Position (Doctoral Candidate) in AI-driven Drug Discovery
Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens (BRFAA)

OFFER DESCRIPTION
1 doctoral candidate position is available within the EU-funded Marie 
Skodowska 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


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: https://lowdataml-dn.com


JOB OFFER DETAILS
We provide a structured 36-month PhD training programme within the Marie 
Skodowska-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 December 2025, and the latest is 
1 March 2026.

We 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 Masters 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.

We 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 
Skodowska Curie Innovative Doctoral Network:

Applicants must be in the first 4 years after obtaining their Masters 
degree and/or Bachelors 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-MycMax 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-MycMax 
        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 Masters 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.bioacademy.gr/?lang=en
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 Skodowska-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: December 2025February 2026.


ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
The following eligibility rules apply for participation in a Marie 
Skodowska 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.
________________________________________
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
Application deadline: 30 November 2025

WEB SITE FOR ADDITIONAL JOB DETAILS:

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:

REQUIREMENTS

REQUIRED EDUCATIONAL LEVEL: E.g. Bachelors Degree, Masters Degree in Biophysics, Biochemistry, etc  
SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS: 
QUALIFICATIONS:
There are strict eligibility requirements for the PhD positions in MSCA.
Please ensure that you qualify before applying, as ineligible candidates 
cannot be considered.
Applicants should not have resided or performed their main activity (work, 
studies, etc.) in the country of the host institution for more than 
12 months in the 3 years immediately before the start date of the PhD 
research. Applicants for the ESR PhD positions should be in the first 
4 years (full-time equivalent) of their research careers and not yet have 
been awarded a doctorate. These 4 years are measured from the date of 
obtaining the degree which would formally entitle me to embark on 
a doctorate.

DESIRED SKILLS:
E.g. Knowledge in programming Languages, Computer-aided Drug Design 
Methods, Publications, etc 
REQUIRED LANGUAGES: E.g. English (Level: Excellent), German(Level: )  
REQUIRED RESEARCH EXPERIENCE: E.g. At least two publications in the field 
of Computational Chemistry are required.