Fully Funded PhD in Artificial Intelligence for Life Sciences – Wageningen University, Netherlands


Wageningen University & Research (WUR) is offering a fully funded PhD position for talented and motivated individuals eager to explore cutting-edge AI applications in life sciences. This opportunity focuses on using advanced artificial intelligence methods to study protein-ligand interaction dynamics — a vital area in computational biology and drug discovery.

Why Choose Wageningen University?

Wageningen University & Research, based in the Netherlands, is globally recognized for its work in healthy food, environment, and sustainable living. WUR stands out for combining world-class research with practical impact, working alongside governments, industry, and NGOs. Their mission: to explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life — is deeply embedded in both education and research.

Key Details of Fully Funded PhD in Artificial Intelligence for Life Sciences:

Host Institution: Wageningen University & Research (WUR)

Location: Netherlands

Program Level: PhD

Funding Type: Fully funded with a competitive salary

Application Deadline: April 30, 2025

Start Date: Flexible, upon mutual agreement

Eligibility: Open to applicants from all countries

Field of Study: Artificial Intelligence, Computational Biology, Computational Chemistry, or related disciplines

Eligibility Criteria:

  • To be considered, candidates must:
  • Hold a Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computational Biology, Computational Chemistry, or a closely related field
  • Have strong programming experience in Python, or other languages like C/C++ or Rust
  • Demonstrate solid understanding and experience in machine learning, particularly neural networks
  • Show enthusiasm for applying AI in life sciences
  • Be capable of working collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment
  • Have excellent scientific writing and communication skills (minimum C1 level in English)
  • Prior experience with molecular dynamics simulations of proteins or protein-ligand systems is a plus


Benefits of the PhD Position:

Fully funded 4-year PhD program

Monthly gross salary starting at €2,901 (1st year), rising to €3,707 (4th year)

Parental leave and flexible working arrangements

Access to university sports facilities at a discounted rate

Annual December bonus of 8.3%

Excellent Dutch pension scheme

Visa assistance and relocation support for international applicants

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit their application via the official Wageningen University & Research website. Applications sent through other means will not be considered. For further details, you can contact:

Dr. Daniel Probst – [email protected]

Prof. Dick de Ridder – [email protected]

Start your PhD journey in one of Europe’s top research universities and contribute to groundbreaking work at the intersection of AI and life sciences.

Apply now before the deadline: April 30, 2025.