PhD Positions in Systems Chemistry, Synthetic Cells, Hydrogels, DNA Nanoscience and Polymer Mechanochemistry Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz in Germany

Andreas Walther’s Walther Lab at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz is recruiting two PhD researchers in Mainz, Germany. The projects sit at the interface of systems chemistry, synthetic cells, hydrogels, DNA nanoscience, polymer materials, active matter, and mechanochemistry.

Project 1: DNA-based Synthetic Cells with Enzymatic Reaction Modules
This project focuses on active and adaptive synthetic cells with enzymatic reaction circuits, emergent behaviours such as flow and propulsion, and learning-like features such as habituation and sensitisation.

Project 2: Novel Polymer Mechanochemistry using Metamaterials and Chemical Reaction Networks
This project aims to design hydrogel-based chemo-mechanical materials in which geometry, mechanics, and chemical reaction networks communicate, enabling materials that process information and feed back on their own configuration.

The positions are embedded in a highly international and interdisciplinary team at JGU Mainz, with possible association to the Max Planck Graduate Center between MPI for Polymer Research and JGU Mainz. The flyer indicates funding according to the German salary scale TV-L 13 (65%) with full social benefits.

Eligibility highlights: creative and motivated candidates; strong experimental mindset; teamwork; excellent English; and a very good degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry/Biochemistry, biomaterials, or related fields. Helpful experience includes quantitative microscopy, interaction-structure behavior mapping, and simulation tools such as COMSOL Multiphysics.

Application window: start from July 2026 or soon thereafter; applications are evaluated on a rolling basis until the positions are filled. The flyer mentions a deadline of end of May 2026.

Applicants should submit a single PDF with a motivation letter, transcript, research summary/record, CV, publication list, and references, using the subject line matching the chosen project.