PhD position within the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network INTRABRAIN

Stellenbeschreibung:

Overview

The Biointerfaces Lab at Friedrich‑Alexander‑Universität Erlangen‑Nürnberg (FAU) welcomes a highly motivated PhD candidate with a strong background in nanomedicine, biomaterials, pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, biomedical engineering, or a related discipline. This PhD position is part of the MSCA Doctoral Network INTRABRAIN : Nanoplatforms and Oncolytic viruses for novel cancer immunotherapy strategies. The project focuses on developing chitosan‑coated nanoparticle systems functionalised with peptides for oncolytic virus encapsulation, aiming to improve translocation across the blood‑brain barrier and target glioblastoma cells. The work intersects biology, biomaterials, and biotechnology within a highly interdisciplinary team that combines expertise in nanomaterials, biology, and cellular interfaces. Candidates will have access to advanced interdisciplinary training, an international research environment, advanced methods in nanomaterials, imaging, and physiology, close supervision, and strong integration into a dynamic research team at FAU.

Benefits

Regular promotion and salary increase pursuant to the collective bargaining agreement for public service in the German Länder (TV‑L) or remuneration according 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
Structured doctoral degree programmes
Systematic career development in collaboration with the Graduate Center
Thorough onboarding process with a dedicated team
Joint team activities
Subsidised food and drinks in student restaurants
Workplace within walking distance of public transport
Family‑friendly environment with childcare options, including during school holidays
Flexible working hours
A wide range of training courses and opportunities for professional development
Active health management

Tasks

Integrate translocating and targeting peptides into nanoparticle polymer complexes
Assess nanoparticle transport in endothelial cell models using fluorescence‑based methods
Evaluate tumour‑targeting efficacy in glioblastoma models
Collaborate closely with researchers in materials science and bioengineering

Required Qualifications

Master’s degree in nanomedicine, biomaterials, pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, biomedical engineering, or a related discipline
MSCA Doctoral Network mobility and eligibility requirements:
- The applicant must not hold a doctoral degree at the first day of employment; researchers who have defended their thesis but not yet been awarded the degree are ineligible
- At the time of recruitment, the researcher must not have resided or carried out their main activity in the recruiting beneficiary country for more than 12 months within the last 36 months
- Proficiency in written and spoken English sufficient to benefit from the network training

Desired Experience

Experience in cell culture and fluorescence‑based methods, as well as nanoparticle synthesis and functionalization, would be an asset.

Application

Curriculum Vitae (max 2 pages)
Cover letter (max 1 page)
Certificate of Master’s Degree (or equivalent) with transcript of records
Proof of English proficiency
Contact details of 2–3 referees who may be contacted directly by the appointment committee
List of publications (incl. manuscript of listed publication), if applicable
Work/research experience certificates, if applicable

Send the application as a single PDF to by . The job start date is .

Equal Opportunity Statement

Friedrich‑Alexander‑Universität promotes equal professional opportunities for women. Women are therefore expressly encouraged to apply. Severely disabled persons, as defined by the German Severely Disabled Persons Act, will be given preferential consideration if they possess the same professional qualifications and personal aptitude and if the advertised position is suitable for them. All advertised positions are generally suitable for part‑time work unless stated otherwise.