Marie Curie Early Stage Researcher and Doctoral Candidate (Computational Physics)

MS-RADAM (“MultiScale phenomena in RAdiation DAMage”) is a European Doctoral Network project funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) programme. The project brings together leading academic and industrial partners from eight European countries (Germany, France, United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Sweden, Denmark and Georgia) to train a new generation of interdisciplinary researchers. 

MS-RADAM aims to advance the understanding of key radiation-induced biodamage phenomena at the nano- and larger scales, with applications in particle therapy, radiotherapy, and radioprotection. These include the formation of DNA strand breaks by ionising radiation, DNA repair, radiosensitisation by metal nanoparticles, cell survival and radioresistance. 

The MS-RADAM research programme combines state-of-the-art computational multiscale modelling (using DFT/TDDFT methods, collision theory, molecular dynamics, stochastic dynamics, Monte Carlo and analytical methods) and its thorough validation using advanced experimental techniques (such as mass spectrometry, electron microscopy, radiochemistry and radiobiology experiments with biomolecular and biological systems such as oligonucleotides, DNA origami, radiosensitising nanoparticles, living cells and multicellular targets).

MS-RADAM invites applications for a 36-month, full-time, fixed-term position as a Doctoral Candidate (DC). The successful candidate will be employed by University of Kent in Canterbury, United Kingdom, and may be enrolled in its PhD programme. The University of Kent is a leading UK Research and teaching university based in 300 acres of land overlooking the World Heritage Site of Canterbury Cathedral. The university is international, with students from 158 different nationalities and 41% of its academic and research staff being from outside the United Kingdom.

The DC9 research project, “Molecular-level mechanisms of nanoparticle radiosensitisation”, focuses on a computational multiscale modelling approach combining classical, reactive and irradiation-driven molecular dynamics with analytical models to study the structure of experimentally relevant radiosensitising coated metal nanoparticles in molecular environments, ion irradiation-induced fragmentation of nanoparticles and their organic coatings, as well as the formation and transport of secondary electrons and reactive species (particularly OH radicals) in the vicinity of irradiated nanoparticles.

Skills/Qualifications
Candidates must:

• hold a University Master’s Degree in physics, physical chemistry / chemical physics, or a related field
• will ideally have proven experience of using software tools for computer simulations (e.g. quantum chemistry calculations, molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo simulations, etc.)
• be highly motivated to conduct research using theoretical and computational physics methods
• be available to start on 01.07.2026
• have excellent English language skills (both spoken and written)
• be able to travel internationally on a regular basis, e.g. to attend regular project meetings, conferences and training activities
• be able to work in an international environment, be highly motivated and reliable, be able to meet strict deadlines

Eligibility criteria 

• The candidate must not have already earned a doctoral degree.
• At the time of recruitment, the candidate must not have lived or conducted their main activities (work, study, etc.) in the country of recruitment for more than 12 months in the 3 years prior to the recruitment date/start date of the activities.
• The candidate must meet ALL admission requirements for the PhD program at the University of Kent. These requirements must be fulfilled at the start of the contract.
• Candidates of all nationalities and genders are welcome to apply.
• In line with MSCA requirements, candidates must be willing to undertake international mobility (four months) during the project implementation. This is a mandatory requirement.

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