u/emwld

Hello everyone,

I'm an MSc Chemical Engineering graduate from Türkiye, currently looking for funded PhD positions in Europe. My MSc research focused on computational enzyme engineering and catalytic mechanisms, using DFT/QM calculations, transition-state searches, molecular dynamics, QM/MM simulations, molecular docking, protein modelling, and HPC.

I've been applying to PhD positions in Europe, both closely related to my background and broader computational chemistry positions. I'm particularly interested in computational enzyme design, biocatalysis, and reaction mechanisms, and I really enjoy the computational side of research. However, it is a very niche field, and I wasn't able to find a funded position. I applied to two in Spain that are closely related to the work I have done in my thesis but I haven't heard back.

I've already had a couple of rejections, including one for a computational catalysis position involving DFT, AIMD and machine-learning potentials. My background was relevant, but I didn't have direct experience with heterogeneous catalysis, AIMD or ML potentials.

This has made me wonder how much exact prior experience is normally expected for a PhD. I understand that a PhD is supposed to involve learning new methods and systems, but many advertisements seem to ask for experience with almost everything the project involves.

For those who have experience with PhD admissions/supervision:

Should I mainly target positions closely matching my existing enzyme/computational background? Or is it realistic to transition into a different computational chemistry area during a PhD? How much weight is normally given to exact system/method experience versus transferable computational skills? I really do enjoy enzyme redesign but I am not expecting to be able to find a role that fits me 100 %

I will really appreciate some honest advice :)

27 (F). I grew up in the Middle East and moved with my family to Türkiye to complete my education. I studied at an accredited university for four years and earned my BSc in Chemical Engineering. After graduating, I received a fully funded scholarship from the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye to pursue my master’s degree, also in Chemical Engineering. My work specifically focused on computational chemistry and enzyme redesign. I have worked at the university as a project assistant and a TA. I also have experience working remotely as a validation system consultant.

I am honestly exhausted by the misconceptions some Moroccans have. Whenever I speak with family members back home, I often feel minimized, as if my degrees from Türkiye are somehow not valuable. I did not move to Türkiye because I had low grades in the baccalaureate exam; it was simply because I grew up outside Morocco and studied entirely in English throughout my education.

You may already know about Türkiye’s current economic situation. Inflation has been rising dramatically, and living here without stable employment has become extremely difficult. I was offered the opportunity to continue with a PhD here, but the scholarship would not be enough to cover living expenses. I also found several PhD opportunities in Europe, but at the moment, I do not have the financial means to take that step.

I have tried searching for jobs in Türkiye, but working legally here is almost impossible as a foreigner. Lately, chemical engineering roles also seem very limited. I genuinely feel trapped. I do not know whether returning to Morocco would be the right decision or not. I have always been discouraged by family members there, who tell me that because I am not fluent in French, finding a job will be impossible.

At this point, I feel trapped, and I would truly appreciate any advice.