5 Years Independent Research Group Leaders in Computational RNA Biology at FIAS Germany
Researchers specializing in computational biology, RNA science, artificial intelligence, and systems biology have an exciting opportunity to establish their own independent research program in Germany. The Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies (FIAS), together with the newly funded SCALE (SubCellular Architecture of LifE) Cluster of Excellence, is inviting applications for Independent Research Group Leaders (f/m/d) in Computational RNA Biology.
This prestigious position offers long-term research funding, support for doctoral students, access to world-class computational infrastructure, and the opportunity to collaborate with internationally recognized scientists working at the frontier of molecular and computational life sciences.
Position Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Position | Independent Research Group Leader (f/m/d) |
| Institution | Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies (FIAS) & SCALE Cluster of Excellence |
| Location | Frankfurt am Main, Germany |
| Employment Type | Full-Time |
| Contract | Five-Year Appointment |
| Application Deadline | 30 August 2026 |
| Published | 4 August 2026 |
About FIAS and the SCALE Cluster of Excellence
The Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies (FIAS) is internationally recognized for theoretical and computational research across the natural and life sciences. Its interdisciplinary environment encourages researchers to solve complex scientific problems through mathematics, computational modeling, and advanced simulation techniques.
The newly established SCALE (SubCellular Architecture of LifE) Cluster of Excellence focuses on understanding how molecular interactions shape cellular organization. Researchers from biology, physics, chemistry, computer science, and mathematics work together to build highly detailed computational models of living cells. One of SCALE’s long-term scientific goals is the creation of Digital Twins of sub-cellular architecture, enabling scientists to map and simulate cellular structures with exceptional precision.
Research Mission
Successful applicants will contribute to the development of computational methods that explain how RNA molecules influence cellular organization and biological function. By integrating multiple biological datasets—including RNA sequencing, spatial ribonomics, and advanced imaging—the project aims to better understand diseases such as:
- Neurodegenerative disorders
- Inflammatory diseases
- Antibiotic resistance
- RNA-related cellular dysfunctions
This multidisciplinary research combines biology, artificial intelligence, computational modeling, and data science to answer fundamental questions in modern molecular biology.
Funding and Benefits
Selected candidates will receive a highly competitive research package designed to support the establishment of an independent laboratory.
Benefits include:
- Five-year Independent Research Group Leader appointment
- Competitive salary
- Funding for two PhD students
- Research operating budget
- Access to advanced computational biology infrastructure
- Integration into the SCALE Cluster of Excellence
- Potential co-affiliation with Goethe University Frankfurt
- Collaboration within the internationally recognized Research Campus Riedberg
Research Areas
1. Modeling RNA in Biological Systems
Researchers may develop computational and mathematical models that explain how RNA molecules regulate cellular processes. Possible research topics include:
- Mathematical modeling of RNA systems
- Agent-based simulations
- Multiscale biological modeling
- RNA folding prediction
- RNA transport mechanisms
- RNA-protein interaction modeling
- Polymer physics
- Statistical inference
- Biomolecular condensates
- Integration of transcriptomics and structural biology datasets
The objective is to create predictive computational frameworks that explain RNA function in both healthy and diseased cells.
2. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for RNA Biology
Applicants may focus on developing AI-driven methods for analyzing large-scale biological datasets.
Research may include:
- Deep learning for RNA biology
- Graph neural networks
- Generative AI
- RNA foundation models
- Spatial transcriptomics analysis
- Imaging data interpretation
- RNA localization prediction
- Mutation impact prediction
- Disease-associated RNA regulation
- RNA-protein interaction prediction
3. Integrative Structural and Spatial RNA Biology
Applicants may combine multiple experimental technologies to better understand RNA organization within cells. Relevant technologies include:
- Cryo-electron microscopy (Cryo-EM)
- Cryo-electron tomography (Cryo-ET)
- Super-resolution microscopy
- Single-molecule imaging
- Spatial omics
- CLIP interaction mapping
- Large-scale imaging datasets
Researchers may also develop scalable software and visualization tools for RNA-centered cell biology.
Who Should Apply?
FIAS is seeking outstanding early-career scientists with demonstrated excellence in computational RNA biology or related disciplines. Relevant backgrounds include:
- Computational Biology
- Bioinformatics
- Systems Biology
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
- Structural Biology
- RNA Biology
- Computational Genomics
- Mathematical Biology
- Biophysics
- Computational Chemistry
Candidates should demonstrate the ability to establish an internationally competitive independent research program while embracing collaboration and open science.
Diversity and Inclusion
FIAS and the SCALE Cluster of Excellence are committed to fostering an inclusive research environment. Applications are welcomed regardless of:
- Gender
- Nationality
- Ethnic or social origin
- Religion
- Disability
- Age
- Sexual orientation
Applicants with severe disabilities who possess equal qualifications will receive priority consideration in accordance with applicable regulations. Independent research group leader positions with substantial funding are among the most competitive academic opportunities worldwide. This position offers:
- Independent research leadership
- Five years of funding
- Support for two PhD students
- Access to advanced computational infrastructure
- Collaboration within Germany’s prestigious Cluster of Excellence
- Opportunities for international networking and interdisciplinary research
For ambitious computational biologists, this is an excellent platform for launching a globally recognized academic career.
Application Requirements
Applicants should submit:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Research statement describing previous achievements and future research plans (maximum four pages)
- Annotated list of the five most significant publications
- Applications must be submitted through the online application portal [https://jobapplication.hrworks.de/de?companyId=amb4af72&id=301ce0 ] before the deadline.
- Application Deadline: 30 August 2026
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a scientific symposium that includes a presentation and interview.
Contact Information
Scientific Enquiries
Prof. Michaela Müller-McNicoll Email: mueller-mcnicoll@bio.uni-frankfurt.de
Administrative Enquiries
Meike Taplik Email: hr@fias.uni-frankfurt.de
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is offering this position?
The position is jointly offered by the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies (FIAS) and the SCALE Cluster of Excellence in Frankfurt, Germany.
How long is the appointment?
The appointment is for five years.
Is research funding included?
Yes. The successful candidate will receive funding for two PhD students, research operating costs, and a competitive salary.
Which research fields are eligible?
Applicants working in computational RNA biology, bioinformatics, AI, systems biology, computational genomics, structural biology, and related disciplines are encouraged to apply.
Where will the successful candidate be based?
The research group will be located at the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies (FIAS) on the Research Campus Riedberg in Frankfurt am Main.
What documents are required?
Applicants must submit a CV, a research statement (maximum four pages), and an annotated list of their five most significant publications.
What is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by 30 August 2026.
Will shortlisted candidates be interviewed?
Yes. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to present their research at a symposium and participate in an interview.
Final Thoughts
The Independent Research Group Leader position in Computational RNA Biology at FIAS and the SCALE Cluster of Excellence represents an outstanding opportunity for early-career researchers seeking to establish an independent research program.
With generous funding, access to cutting-edge computational resources, interdisciplinary collaborations, and the opportunity to contribute to the development of Digital Twins of cellular architecture, this role provides an exceptional pathway toward a successful international academic career.
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