University of Mainz
1 month ago
PhD Positions in Artificial Cells, Biomaterials, and Mammalian Cell Interfaces at University of Mainz University of Mainz in Germany
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Cell Biology
Funding
PhD positions are funded by the ERC Advanced Grant Horizon Europe project ProtoEco and paid according to the German public salary scale (TV-L) with full social benefits.
Deadline
Nov 30, 2026
Country
Germany
University
University of Mainz
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About this position
PhD Researcher Positions are open in the ERC Advanced Grant project ProtoEco: Protoecologies between Artificial Cells and Mammalian Cells at the University of Mainz in Germany, led by the Walther Lab and associated with the Max Planck Research Fellow Group at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research.
The project explores artificial cells, synthetic biology, biomaterials, DNA nanoscience, polymer gels, systems chemistry, enzymatic reaction networks, cell biology, biointerfaces, and mammalian cells. Research directions include polymer-based artificial cells and metabolic coupling, DNA-based artificial cells and molecular computing, artificial-cell/mammalian-cell interfaces and biomaterials concepts, and adaptive signaling concepts for therapeutic applications.
Projects may involve microfluidic synthesis, encapsulation of enzymatic modules, DNA computing circuits, molecular sensing, mammalian cell culture, co-culture and co-spheroid assembly, fluorescence/confocal microscopy, image analysis, and structure–function–behavior mapping of biohybrid communities.
Applicants should hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in chemistry, biology, biological engineering, or biomedical engineering, with strong preparation in relevant interdisciplinary areas. Excellent English, quantitative thinking, curiosity, independence, and teamwork are emphasized. Experience with cell culture, artificial cells, DNA nanotechnology, microfluidics, biomaterials, or image analysis is especially useful.
The positions are full-time, temporary, and funded through Horizon Europe / ERC. Salary is according to the German TV-L scale with full social benefits. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled; the first team members are expected by the end of November 2026. The stated start date for the first positions is 1 December 2026.
To apply, send a single PDF containing a motivation letter, research summary, CV, Bachelor’s and Master’s transcripts, a summary of your Master’s thesis, publications if any, and contact details for two referees to [email protected]. More information is available on the Walther Lab website and the Euraxess posting.
Funding details
PhD positions are funded by the ERC Advanced Grant Horizon Europe project ProtoEco and paid according to the German public salary scale (TV-L) with full social benefits.
What's required
Applicants should have a Master’s degree or equivalent in chemistry, physical chemistry, organic chemistry, biological engineering, biology, or biomedical engineering. Strong training in polymer chemistry, systems chemistry, chemical biology, biochemistry, synthetic biology, biomaterials, biotechnology, biophysics, bioengineering, cell biology, or molecular biology is preferred. Useful experience includes mammalian cell culture, artificial cells, DNA nanotechnology, reaction networks, microfluidics, biomaterials, or image analysis. Excellent English skills, independent and self-responsible work ethic, top academic performance, scientific curiosity, quantitative thinking, and interdisciplinary teamwork are expected.
How to apply
Prepare a single PDF with a motivation letter, research summary, CV, transcripts for Bachelor’s and Master’s studies, a summary of your Master’s thesis, publications if any, and contact details for two referees. Email the application to [email protected]. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.
More information can be found here
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