Postdoctoral Researcher Positions – ERC Advanced Grant ProtoEco: Protoecologies between Artificial Cells and Mammalian Cells Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz in Germany

Postdoctoral Researcher positions are available in the ERC Advanced Grant project ProtoEco: Protoecologies between Artificial Cells and Mammalian Cells at the Walther Lab, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany, with close connection to the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research.

The project explores how life-like artificial or synthetic cells can coexist, communicate, and cooperate with mammalian cells in structured 2D and 3D environments. The broader goal is to create biohybrid micro-communities that exchange metabolites, energy, and signals, and to understand how these communities may exhibit emergent, adaptive, collective, and homeostatic behavior. The research is positioned at the interface of systems chemistry, DNA nanoscience, artificial cells, polymer materials, biomaterials, and cell biology.

Candidates may contribute to one or more of four research directions: polymer-based artificial cells and metabolic coupling; DNA-based artificial cells and molecular computing; artificial-cell/mammalian-cell interfaces and biomaterials concepts; or therapy-oriented adaptive and homeostatic signaling. Possible work includes microfluidic synthesis of polymer capsules and microgels, encapsulation of enzymatic reaction networks, DNA circuit design, mammalian cell co-culture, quantitative microscopy, image analysis, and development of structure–function–behavior maps for biohybrid systems.

The lab seeks highly motivated postdoctoral researchers with strong training in chemistry, synthetic biology, biomaterials, bioengineering, cell biology, molecular biology, or related areas. An ideal profile includes a strong publication record, independence, creativity, quantitative thinking, and interdisciplinary teamwork. Excellent English skills and a self-responsible working style are expected. Experience with mammalian cell culture, artificial cells, DNA nanotechnology, reaction networks, microfluidics, biomaterials, or image analysis is especially useful.

The positions are full-time, temporary postdoctoral appointments funded by an ERC Advanced Grant and paid according to the German public salary scale (TV-L) with full social benefits. The team offers state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure, international collaboration, strong support for scientific and career development, and opportunities to co-supervise PhD researchers. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled; the first team members are expected to be recruited by the end of November. The stated start date refers to the first positions, and later starting dates may be flexible.

To apply, submit a single PDF containing a motivation letter with a short summary of prior research and interests, a CV, a brief overview of key achievements and future interests, a publication list, and contact details for two referees. Applications should be sent to [email protected].