The Biointerfaces Lab at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate with a strong background in nanomedicine, biomaterials, pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, biomedical engineering, or a related discipline. The PhD position will be part of the MSCA Doctoral Network INTRABRAIN: Nanoplatforms and Oncolytic viruses for novel cancer immunotherapy strategies.

The PhD project focuses on the development of chitosan-coated nanoparticle systems functionalised with peptides for oncolytic virus encapsulation, with the aim of improving translocation across the blood-brain barrier and targeting of glioblastoma cells.

The work lies at the intersection of biology, biomaterials, and biotechnology, within a highly interdisciplinary team combining expertise in nanomaterials, biology, and cellular interfaces. You will have access to:

• Advanced interdisciplinary training in nanomedicine, biomaterials, and translational biomedical research, embedded in an international consortium with secondments within the Training Network
• A highly interdisciplinary and international research environment
• Access to and training in advanced methods in nanomaterials, imaging, and physiology
• Close supervision and strong integration into a dynamic research team at FAUExcellent support during the academic qualification phase

Renumeration is according to the MSCA DN payment scheme; corrected monthly Living Allowance GERMANY= 4058,12 €

• 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

• Structured doctoral degree programs
• Systematic career development in collaboration with the Graduate Center
• Thorough onboarding process with a dedicated team
• Joint team activities
• Subsidized food and drinks in our student restaurants
• Place of work within comfortable walking distance of public transport
• Family-friendly environment with childcare options, also during school holidays
• Flexible working hours
• A wide range of training courses and opportunities for professional development
• Active health management

Your tasks

The successful candidate will work on:

·       Integration of 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

Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in nanomedicine, biomaterials, pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, biomedical engineering, or a related discipline, and must meet the MSCA Doctoral Networks mobility and eligibility requirements:

• Doctoral Candidate requirement: The applicant must not be in possession of a doctoral degree at the first day of the employment. Researchers who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but who have not yet been awarded the doctoral degree are not eligible.
• Mobility rule: At the time of recruitment by the recruiting beneficiary, researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (e.g., work and studies) in the country of their recruiting beneficiary for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately prior to their recruitment. Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays, and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention are not considered.
• English language: Network fellows (DCs) must demonstrate that their ability to understand and express themselves in both written and spoken English is sufficiently high for them to derive the full 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

Applicants should send one pdf file with:

·       Curriculum Vitae (max 2 pages)

·       Cover letter (max 1 page)

·       Certificate of Master’s Degree (or equivalent) with transcript of records

·       Application form found within the portal with:

·       Proof of English proficiency

·       Contact details of 2-3 referees, who may be contacted directly by the appointment committee.

·       List of publication(s) (incl. manuscript of listed publication), if applicable

·       Work/research experience certificates, if applicable

via this portal.

Deadline

Submit your application by May 28th 2026.

For additional information please check the INTRABRAIN website https://www.intrabrain.eu/ or contact contact-biointerfaces@fau.de