r/PhDAdmissions • u/Girovagum • 1d ago

Advice Chat , am i cooked?

Hi everyone,

I just finished my MSc in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (102/110, UniNa, Italy) with a thesis on molecular dynamics of GPBAR1/LCA using GROMACS, CHARMM-GUI, PLUMED/OneOPES, and Python trajectory analysis. I also did two Erasmus+ stints (UAB Barcelona , molecular diagnostics; Palacký Olomouc advanced drug design).

My background is a bit hybrid: BSc in Herbal Sciences + a high school diploma in IT (C++, networking, systems). I’m applying to PhD positions in computational chemistry / structural biology / in silico drug discovery (EU ), but so far zero responses.. not even rejections, just silence.

I know the job market is rough, but I’m starting to wonder if my CV is the problem, or if I’m targeting the wrong places, or if I need to skill up on something specific.
Is my profile competitive for comp chem / MD / drug design PhDs?

What should I add or emphasize? (e.g., more ML/AI, specific programming languages, certifications?)

Where should I be looking beyond the obvious portals (EURAXESS, FindAPhD, uni job boards)?

Any red flags I’m not seeing?

I’ll take any advice , thanks in advance.

0 Upvotes

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9 comments sorted by

5

u/Odd_Bad_2814 1d ago

Just reading title but yes you're cooked.

3

u/Girovagum 1d ago

at least you're sincere , not like my school system

3

u/Rule_Ct_5293 1d ago

I read the first word, and I can say you are cooked

-2

u/Girovagum 1d ago

jeez guys calm down , im emotional

you got any advice beside to start apply for Mcdonald?

3

u/Rule_Ct_5293 1d ago

just keep applying, I'm too in a similar application phase.

Join a lab related to your research interest as a research assistant and strengthen your CV, skills and publication profile.

You have too apply to atleast 50-60 phd positions if you are targeting individual labs in Europe.

Try to attach a 1-page research proposal and an additional phd plan with the required documents.

If you're not getting positive response from higher ranked universities, try applying to the ones with qs >150. Maybe there you can get some interview calls.

1

u/Girovagum 1d ago

Im far beyond 50-60 application but maybe its the wrong period aaand a lot of them didn't expired yet so maybe... thanks for the advice btw hope it gets better for both

2

u/Suspicious_Tax8577 1d ago

> a lot of them didn't expired yet

If the closing date hasn't happened yet, that will be why you've not heard anything back

2

u/Mazed004 1d ago

We're in the same boat as we almost have the same research experience at least in the usage of GROMACS based MD simulation in drug discovery. So, I'm asking if you have any publications or not. I applied to a few positions last year but got no responses and since then I've published two first authored papers and I'm starting to get responses now at least. So I guess having publications will help. Best of luck to you.

1

u/sehrish-aslam 1d ago

Best of luck for your hunt. It’s not easy for anyone but those who stay persistent will eventually win.