PhD Position:  New Methods for Drug Delivery to Mitochondria

Join Our Multidisciplinary Team at Charles University!

Boost your career in biomedical research with the Biomembrane Remodelling Group at the Mathematical Institute, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University in beautiful Prague. We're seeking a motivated PhD student to pioneer new drug-delivery systems that transport large cargo directly into mitochondria—unlocking wide applications in therapy and biomedical research. Our approach is focused on theory and physical understanding of mechanisms. Once this understanding is achieved new venues of optimization become possible and can be explored through our collaborations.

What You'll Do:

• Leverage our unique toolkit: Extract membrane properties from molecular dynamics simulations and predict large-scale remodeling.
• Develop and optimize a mitochondria-targeted drug platform, tackling the critical first step—endosomal escape—using state-of-the-art simulations.
• Explore the genesis of mitochondrial morphology and the influence of membrane remodeling proteins to answer fundamental questions of mitochondrial ultrastructure.
• Test hypotheses with access to synthesized compounds and input feedback, cryoelectron microscopy, and fluorescence imaging through our national and international collaborations (including Harvard).

Start time flexible- ideally in the Winter Semester 2026/27 (as early as late August). Got questions? Reach out to PI Christoph Allolio at Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein.—we'd love to chat about tailoring a project to you.

What We're Looking For:

• Passion for biological mechanisms, membrane biophysics and mathematical modeling, especially Helfrich curvature elasticity theory.
• Strong scientific programming skills (Python or C++ required).
• Interest in molecular dynamics simulations (prior experience a bonus; enhanced sampling or GROMACS knowledge is a big plus).
• Finite element computational modeling experience is a great plus..

This role blends theory, simulations, and hands-on experiments—you choose your focus! Expect collaborative lab work at top Prague institutes and with U.S. partners. No prior experimental expertise needed; we'll guide you through basic biophysical techniques.

Why Charles University?

• Czechia's research powerhouse, with a world-leading team in mathematical modeling.
• Perks: Competitive salary + scholarship, pension and social insurance, excellent childcare, public health coverage, and affordable transport. (You will be fine in Prague!)
• Prague: A beautiful, affordable city with rich history and a rich research landscape that provides many opportunities.
• EU citizens/Schengen visa holders especially welcome due to travel ease.

Research Areas: Computational Materials Science | Molecular Biophysics | Life Sciences

Apply now and bring your skills and insight to our theory-driven approach to biomedical research!