Doctoral Researcher (PhD) Position in Organ-on-Chip and Advanced In Vitro Models University of Würzburg in Germany

The Translational Organ Microsystems (TOM) Group at the Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry (FMZ), Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, is offering a fully funded PhD position in organ-on-chip and advanced in vitro models.

The project focuses on developing immunocompetent human lung-on-chip systems to study pulmonary inflammation, infection, and tissue injury. The work integrates airway epithelial and endothelial cells with immune cells, especially neutrophils and macrophages, in microfluidic, perfusable culture platforms. The successful candidate will help develop and functionally characterise these models and will investigate immune cell recruitment, transmigration, and pulmonary barrier responses under physiologically relevant conditions, including fluid flow and mechanical stimulation.

This is a research-intensive role at the interface of biomaterial engineering, biological engineering, and medical science, with strong connections to organ-on-chip technologies, advanced cell culture, and microfluidics. The group’s research platform and recent publications indicate a strong emphasis on biomimetic airway/lung models, perfusable endothelial-lumen systems, cell-stretch experiments, and clinically relevant readouts of lung disease models.

The position is based at the University of Würzburg in Germany and is open to candidates with a relevant Master’s degree or equivalent. Applicants should have practical experience in mammalian cell culture and hands-on exposure to organ-on-chip platforms, microfluidic cell culture, or advanced microphysiological in vitro models. Experience with pulmonary in vitro models, epithelial/endothelial barriers, air-liquid interface cultures, or perfusion-based systems is particularly valued. Good written and spoken English is required, along with strong motivation for interdisciplinary research and the ability to work independently and in a team.

The post is funded for three years and includes access to state-of-the-art microfluidic, biofabrication, cell culture, and imaging facilities, within an interdisciplinary and international research environment. Scientific training, international collaboration, and conference participation are also supported.

To apply, submit a single PDF with your CV, a one-page tailored motivation letter describing your relevant hands-on experience, academic transcripts (BSc and MSc), and the names and contact details of two academic referees. Applications should be emailed to Dr. Ali Doryab at [email protected] with the subject line “PhD Application – Organ-on-Chip”. The selection is rolling, and the position remains open until a suitable candidate is found. The advertised start date is 2 January 2027, with availability as soon as possible also mentioned in the full description.