9 Research Positions for Doctoral Researchers (m/f/d) - Research Training Group 2950 SyMoCADS ([...]

9 Research Positions for Doctoral Researchers (m/f/d) – Research Training Group 2950 SyMoCADS (TV-L E13, according to the DFG discipline specific guidelines)

Your Workplace

Research Training Group 2950 SyMoCADS

Research Training Group (RTG) 2950 - Synthetic Molecular Communications Across Different Scales: From Theory to Experiments (SyMoCADS) is a research training program funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) with the aim to educate scientists and engineers in this emerging interdisciplinary field of research. The RTG comprises ten principal advisors (PAs) from the Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Science, the Medical Faculty, and the University Hospital. Research takes place in an excellent scientific environment at FAU, with top‑notch instrumentation in the laboratories of the participating principal advisors (PAs).

The research and the structured qualification program aim to equip the participating researchers with the knowledge and skill set needed to significantly advance the field of molecular communication (MC) and to bring it to the realm of practical applications.

Benefits

• Regular promotion to the next level and increase in salary pursuant to the collective bargaining agreement for the public service of the German Länder (TV-L) or remuneration pursuant to the Bavarian Public Servants Remuneration Act (BayBesG) plus an additional annual bonus
• 30 days annual leave at five working days per week with additional free days on December 24 and 31
• Occupational pension scheme and asset accumulation savings scheme
• Excellent support during the academic qualification phase
• Structured supervision and qualification program
• Systematic career development in collaboration with the Graduate Center
• Thorough onboarding process with a dedicated team
• Joint team activities
• Family‑friendly environment with childcare options, also during school holidays
• A wide range of training courses and opportunities for professional development
• Active health management

Your Tasks

The RTG consists of 9 doctoral research projects (P1–P9) organized in 3 clusters (C1–C3) and a cross‑cluster postdoctoral project (P10).

Cluster C1 focuses on the use of MC for the design, monitoring, and control of bioprocesses on a microliter scale and includes:

• Project P1 (Prof. Kathrin Castiglione, Institute of Bioprocess Engineering): Nanodevices for MC‑Based Sensing and Control in Microliter‑scale Bioreactors
• Project P2 (Prof. Heinrich Sticht, Institute of Biochemistry): Design and Characterization of Protein Modules for MC‑Based Sensing and Control in Microliter‑scale Bioreactors
• Project P3 (Prof. Robert Schober, Institute for Digital Communication): MC‑based Modelling, Monitoring, and Control of Microliter‑scale Bioreactors

Cluster C2 focuses on the MC‑based modelling, analysis, and design of magnetic steering systems for superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) and includes:

• Project P4 (Prof. Georg Fischer, Institute for Electronics Engineering): Forces, Limitations, and Concepts for SPION Steering
• Project P5 (PA: Prof. Jens Kirchner, Institute for Electronics Engineering): Lumped‑Parameter Models for and Optimization of SPION Steering in Highly Branched Vascular and Tissue Structures
• Project P6 (Prof. Dietmar Drummer, Institute of Polymer Technology): Development of Tumor Models for MC based on Additive Manufacturing Approaches

Cluster C3 focuses on the development of models, designs, and system architectures for airborne MC and includes:

• Project P7 (Prof. Andrea Büttner, Chair of Aroma and Smell Research): Transmitter Systems for Releasing and Sending Airborne MC Signals as "Odor Objects"
• Project P8 (Dr. Helene Loos, Chair of Aroma and Smell Research): Receiver Architectures for Information Recovery from Airborne MC Signals
• Project P9 (Prof. Vahid Jamali, Resilient Communication Systems): Theoretical Modelling, Design, and Analysis of Olfaction‑inspired Molecule‑Mixture Communications

Your Profile

Outstanding grades in Bachelor’s and Master’s programs.

• Master’s Degree (corresponding to the specific doctoral project P1–P9) in:
  • Cluster 1: Biotechnology, Life Science Engineering (P1), Biochemistry (P2), Electrical Engineering with specialization in Communications (P3) or related fields
  • Cluster 2: Electrical Engineering (P4, P5), Medical Engineering, Physics (P5), Mechanical Engineering (P6), Chemical Engineering (P6) or related fields
  • Cluster 3: Chemical Engineering (P7), Electrical Engineering (P7), Sensor Technology (P7), Physics (P7, P8), Chemistry (P7, P8), Engineering (P8), Electrical Engineering with specialization in Communications (P9)
• For project P6 experience with polymers is required.

Job Details

• Prior publications are an asset but not required.
• TV‑L E13 position (doctoral researchers, according to the DFG discipline specific guidelines) for up to four years starting on 1 December 2026.

Location

Friedrich‑Alexander‑Universität, Erlangen 91052.

Equal Opportunity

In its pursuit of academic excellence, FAU is committed to equality of opportunity and to a proactive and inclusive approach, which supports and encourages all under‑represented groups, promotes an inclusive culture and values diversity. FAU promotes professional equality for women. Women are therefore particularly encouraged to apply.

Severely disabled persons as defined by the German Severely Disabled Persons Act will be given preferential consideration if they have the same professional qualifications and personal aptitude and if the advertised position is suitable for severely disabled persons. Details can be found in the respective job posting under "Remarks".

At the applicant’s request, the Equal Opportunities Officer may be included in the job interview without any disadvantage to the applicant.

All advertised positions are generally suitable for part‑time work unless stated otherwise in the job posting.