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The Max-Planck-Institute of Biochemistry (MPIB) in Martinsried near Munich is one of the world’s leading international research institutions in the fields of biochemistry, cell and structural biology, and biomedical research. With around 27 scientific departments and research groups and about 750 employees, the MPIB is one of the largest institutes of the Max Planck Society for the Advancement of Science.

The Department of Machine Learning and Systems Biology, headed by director Prof. Dr. Karsten Borgwardt, is seeking a

Postdoctoral Research Fellow (m/f/div)

Project Overview

Protein design is a rapidly evolving field, with machine learning taking an increasingly important role in the development of novel protein biotechnologies. Yet, computer-generated protein designs only become impactful contributions if validated experimentally. We aim to build a fully automated platform for high-throughput synthesis of protein designs and measurement of their function, resulting in high-quality datasets that should be employed in a machine learning directed evolution (MLDE, active learning) cycle to optimize protein designs for activity, expression, and yield. The project is a multi-institutional collaborative effort, is set to start in January 2026, and is funded for two years by the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs.

Qualifications

The successful applicant will hold a Ph.D. in computer science, machine learning, bioinformatics, or related fields. The applicant should have a strong interest and prior experience in developing machine learning methods and/or applying machine learning algorithms for solving problems in protein engineering. Written and oral command of English is essential.

Research environment

The Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, was founded in 1973 with the aim to understand fundamental mechanisms of biochemistry, cell and structural biology, biophysics, and molecular medicine. Machine learning and bioinformatics play an increasingly important role in this endeavor. The institute is part of a strong network of research institutions in the southwest of Munich and provides outstanding research opportunities for its scientists.

Payment will be according to qualifications and in accordance with TVöD (German public service tariff scale). The initial appointment will be until December 31, 2027.

Informal inquiries are welcome and should be sent to borgwardt-office@biochem.mpg.de. For further information about the institute and the department, please see www.biochem.mpg.de/en / www.biochem.mpg.de/borgwardt.

The Max-Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in research and explicitly encourages women to apply.

Are you interested?

Then please upload your complete application documents, containing a one-page letter with a personal statement describing your scientific accomplishments and your interests in our department and its research, your CV and bibliography, as well as contact information for at least two references, in electronic form via the online application website. Deadline: January 31, 2026.