The University of Amsterdam is offering a fully funded PhD opportunity for highly driven and curious candidates with a background in machine learning and a keen interest in drug discovery.
The University of Amsterdam Machine Learning Scholarship provides a generous monthly salary, healthcare, bonuses, and relocation support, including training and career opportunities for partners and families.
Scholarship Summary
- Host: University of Amsterdam
- Host Country: Netherlands
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | €46,572 Living Stipend | Healthcare | Relocation Allowances
- No IELTS Required
- Deadline: August 23, 2025
Scholarship Details
Are you a recent MSc graduate passionate about artificial intelligence, molecular modeling, and drug discovery? The AI for Chemistry Group, led by Associate Professor Bernd Ensing, invites applications from innovative and motivated individuals for a PhD position focused on developing advanced machine learning methodologies for drug design.
This PhD position is part of a collaborative research project involving the Vascular Cell Biology group of Prof. Jaap van Buul and is linked to the Molecular and Material Design Technology Hub at the Faculty of Science. The work will be based at Science Park Amsterdam, within the Van ‘t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS).
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the University of Amsterdam Machine Learning Scholarship, applicants must:
- Have a creative, curious, and motivated personality
- Hold a recent Master’s degree in:
- Artificial Intelligence (with a focus on natural sciences), or
- Science fields such as Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Physics (with specialization in machine learning)
- Have experience in one or more of the following:
- Geometric machine learning
- Molecular simulation
- (Bio-)Molecular modeling
- Demonstrate strong programming skills
- Possess excellent oral and written communication skills in English
- Show strong initiative and effective time management abilities
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants of the University of Amsterdam Machine Learning Scholarship will receive:
- Monthly Salary: €3,059 in the first year, rising to €3,881 by the fourth year (Scale P, 38 hours/week)
- Contract Duration: 4 years (initial 18-month contract, renewable upon positive evaluation)
- Holiday Bonus: 8% of annual salary
- Year-End Bonus: 8.3%
- Paid Leave: 232 vacation hours annually, plus paid parental and partner leave
- Pension Contribution: Participation in the ABP Pension Scheme
- Relocation Assistance: Support for childcare, schooling, insurance, and partner employment via the IDCN-network
- Career Development: Access to PhD courses, soft skill training, and Dutch language classes
- Work Location: Van ‘t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, Science Park Amsterdam
Required Documents
To apply for this scholarship, applicants must prepare to submit:
- Academic transcripts and Master’s degree certificate
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover letter detailing motivation and suitability
- Any relevant publications or project work
How to Apply
To apply for the University of Amsterdam Machine Learning Scholarship:
- Visit the program’s official webpage
- Submit your application for the PhD position in Machine Learning and Molecular Modelling of Drug Design by August 23, 2025
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews in August and September 2025
- The research project will begin between September 2025 and February 2026
To begin the scholarship application process, click HERE
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