Independent Research Group Leaders (f/m/d) for Computational RNA Biology

The Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies (FIAS) and the newly funded Cluster of Excellence SCALE (SubCellular Architecture of LifE) are looking for an

Independent Research Group Leaders (f/m/d) for Computational RNA Biology

The primary goal of SCALE and the FIAS is to create Digital Twins of sub-cellular architecture to map and simulate the internal structure of cells with unprecedented detail. By integrating RNA and spatial ribonomics data, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of key biological processes and their relevance to major diseases like bacterial resistance, neurodegeneration, and inflammation.

We offer

A competitive group leader salary and appointment for 5 years, funding for two PhD students, and running costs. Co-affiliation with Goethe University Frankfurt will be considered. Successful candidates will be based at FIAS and integrated into the SCALE Cluster and the vibrant Research Campus Riedberg, which offers advanced infrastructure for computational biology.

We seek

An outstanding early-career scientist to establish an independent research program in Computational RNA Biology and develop theoretical, computational, and AI-based approaches to understand how RNAs and RNA-binding proteins control gene regulation, protein function, subcellular organization, biomolecular condensation, and intracellular transport. A collaborative and open-science attitude is expected.

We expect candidates to establish an innovative and internationally competitive research program in at least one of the following areas:

• Modeling RNA in Biological Systems: Development of mathematical, multiscale, and agent-based models to understand how RNAs and ribonucleoprotein (RNP) assemblies regulate gene expression, cellular behavior, and subcellular organization. Integration of transcriptomics, ribonomics, interactomics, structural biology, and imaging datasets into predictive computational frameworks. Application of atomistic simulations, coarse-grained modeling, RNA folding prediction, RNA-protein and RNA-small molecule interaction modeling, polymer physics, and statistical inference to investigate RNA structure, function, transport, and regulatory mechanisms in health and disease.
• AI and Machine Learning for RNA Biology: Development of deep learning, graph neural network, generative AI, and RNA foundation models to analyze large-scale omics, spatial transcriptomics, ribonomics, and imaging datasets. Application of AI to predict RNA structure, localization, regulatory functions, RNA-protein interactions, condensate formation, and the effects of mutations and disease-associated perturbations on RNA-dependent regulation or cellular organization.
• Integrative Structural and Spatial RNA Biology: Integration of multimodal datasets including Cryo-EM, Cryo-ET, super-resolution microscopy, single-molecule imaging, spatial omics, CLIP-based interaction maps, and large-scale imaging datasets for comprehensive modeling of RNA-containing molecular assemblies and subcellular architecture. Development of scalable visualization, analysis, and software solutions for RNA-centered cell biology.

FIAS and SCALE are committed to fostering a workplace culture that promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from qualified individuals regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic or social origin, religion, disability, age, or sexual orientation. Severely disabled persons with equal qualifications will be given priority.

Application process

Please submit your application including CV, research statement of past achievements and future plans (no more than 4 pages) and a list of annotated top 5 publications by 30 August, 2026 via our online portal at . Potential candidates will be invited to a symposium for a presentation and interview.

Contact

Scientific issues:

Prof. Michaela Müller-McNicoll

Administrative issues:

Meike Taplik

Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies (FIAS)

Ruth-Moufang-Str. 1, 60438 Frankfurt am Main

About FIAS

The Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies (FIAS) is a hub for theoretical and computational research dedicated to solving complex scientific challenges. We pioneer an interdisciplinary approach, leveraging advanced theoretical methods in the natural and life sciences and computational methods to model complex self-organizing systems of nature.

About SCALE

The SCALE Cluster of Excellence is a dynamic research initiative in Frankfurt focused on the fundamental principles of cellular self-organization. We investigate how molecular interactions give rise to complex cellular functions. Our work is highly interdisciplinary, bringing together expertise from biochemistry, molecular biology, physics, and computational science.