PhD in Physical Chemistry and Stem Cell Biology at RWTH Aachen University (EMERGE Project A1) RWTH Aachen University in Germany

RWTH Aachen University is advertising two PhD openings within the DFG-funded graduate school EMERGE (“Adaptive Soft Matter Through Programming Colloidal Gels with Biological Building Blocks”). The project focuses on physical chemistry, chemistry, biology, biomaterials, soft matter, nanogels, and stem cell / organoid research.

Project A1 (Chemistry) is led by Max Hohenschutz and concerns “Modulating carrier capacity and membrane transport of nanogels by solute binding.” The doctoral researcher will synthesize polysaccharide-based nanogels and study how nano-ions affect swelling, uptake, and release of solutes using advanced spectroscopic, light, neutron, and X-ray scattering methods. The work is embedded in a collaborative environment with biologists working on stem cell activation.

Project A1 (Biology/Bioengineering) is led by Rebekka Schneider-Kramann and focuses on “Nanogel-Mediated Intracellular Delivery of Transcription Factors for Directed Osteogenesis in Stem Cell-Derived Bone Marrow Organoids.” This project involves mesenchymal stromal cells, iPSC-derived stromal progenitors, nanogel uptake and trafficking, intracellular delivery of osteogenic transcription factors such as RUNX2, and functional validation in 2D and 3D bone marrow organoid systems, including microfluidic flow culture.

Both positions are for a Doctor of Natural Sciences (Dr. rer. nat.) at RWTH Aachen University and are offered as TV-L 13 salaried doctoral positions for 4 years (67% for the chemistry topic, 65% for the biology topic). Applicants should have completed a strong Master’s degree in a relevant field and be fluent in English. Depending on the topic, prior experience with polymer synthesis, scattering methods, cell culture, molecular biology, iPSC culture, organoids, microscopy, or flow-based systems is advantageous.

Interested candidates should apply to the correct project leader and clearly state which topic they are applying for. The post links to the official RWTH/EMERGE application page.