Research Associate / Biodesigner (m/f/d) – Living Materials (2 positions, 50–70%, TV-L E13)

• Application Requirements
• Portfolio / selected work (if available)
• Cover letter and statement of motivation
• Applications to: louis-peter. moeckel@hs-anhalt. de

For the research project Innovative Myco Lab at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, we are seeking two highly motivated individuals to join our interdisciplinary research team at the earliest possible date.

The positions are intended for applicants interested in experimentally exploring biological materials, translating them into novel material systems, and developing prototype applications.

We welcome candidates with an interest in mycelium-based materials, chitosan, material development, biodesign, and hands‑on laboratory research.

Innovative Myco Lab is a research project dedicated to developing new value chains from regional organic side streams.

The project focuses on transforming bio‑based residual materials into mycelium‑based materials while establishing a Mycotheque—a knowledge, culture, and material platform for future biomaterials.

Working closely with partners from design, science, and industry, the project investigates fungal materials, advances them through design‑led research, and translates them into functional prototypes.

Current research areas include the development of chitosan‑based yarns and textiles, acoustically active mycelium materials, and the experimental investigation of the influence of sound on mycelial growth.

The project aims to explore biological materials from technical, design, and speculative perspectives while demonstrating their application potential through tangible prototypes and demonstrators.

We are looking for individuals who are eager to shape biological processes responsibly, investigate materials systematically, and develop future‑oriented application scenarios at the intersection of science, design, and speculative research.

• Your Responsibilities
• Maintain, cultivate, and further develop fungal cultures and the Mycotheque
• Organise and continuously improve the biological laboratory infrastructure
• Plan, conduct, and document cultivation and material development experiments
• Investigate and evaluate the life cycle, scalability, and end‑of‑life scenarios of mycelium‑based materials
• Develop independent research, design, and application concepts involving mycelium‑ and chitosan‑based materials
• Design and realise experimental, speculative, and application‑oriented demonstrators as well as
• Contribute to scientific publications, knowledge transfer, project communication, and documentation
• Support procurement processes, laboratory inventories, and internal organisational and safety procedures
• Collaborate closely with the Applied Biotechnology team at the Köthen campus, the interdisciplinary design team of the Materiability Research Group, and external project partners
• Actively contribute to the research group by sharing knowledge, helping shape collaborative structures, and fostering an open laboratory and project culture

Your Profile

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Design, Biodesign, Material Design, Architecture, Biotechnology, Biofabrication, Materials Science, Mycology, or a closely related discipline
• Strong interest in experimental material development, biological processes, and interdisciplinary research
• Enthusiasm for hands‑on laboratory work, rapid prototyping, and iterative material experimentation
• Motivation to combine scientific, design, and speculative approaches in a productive manner
• Independent, structured, and responsible working style
• High level of initiative and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary collaboration
• Applicants must demonstrate practical experience in at least two of the following areas:
• Development and characterization of mycelium‑based materials
• Processing and application of chitosan
• Wet spinning or fibre production using coagulation bath techniques
• Development or application of acoustically active materials, surfaces, or acoustic systems
• Design and realisation of full‑scale (1:1) prototypes and material demonstrators
• Processing and design of living or growing materials
• Strong aesthetic awareness and a keen interest in material expression, form, surface qualities, and application context
• We Offer
• The opportunity to contribute to an innovative research project at the intersection of design, material development, biotechnology, and sustainable value creation
• An experimental research environment with considerable creative freedom and a strong scientific foundation
• The possibility to contribute and develop your own research and design ideas within the project
• Close collaboration with designers, biotechnologists, and external research and industry partners
• Salary according to TV‑L E13, depending on qualifications and academic background

Even if your profile does not fully meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply.

We value intellectual curiosity, initiative, careful and responsible working practices, and a willingness to quickly engage with new research topics above all else.

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