Organisation/Company Technical University of Munich Department Department of Life Science Engineering Research Field Chemistry » Physical chemistry Biological sciences » Other Physics » Biophysics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 15 Nov 2026 - 12:30 (Europe/Berlin) Country Germany Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 11 Jan 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - ERC Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
The Chair of Complex Soft Matter at the TUM School of Life Sciences is seeking to appoint a Research Associate - Multivalent Colloid Science (E13, with the opportunity to pursue a doctorate) at the earliest possible date. The position addresses challenges in medicine/ diagnostics, focusing on the design of supramolecular architectures, their advanced physico-chemical characterization and relative biological activity. In details, the role requires the synthesis, surface functionalisation and characterisation of colloidal nanoparticles and their interactions with biological targets, including in complex biological environments. The aim is to understand how self-assembly and consequent molecular architecture govern multivalent interactions and selective biomolecular recognition. The successful candidate will contribute to the recently awarded ERC Consolidator Grant project "Engineering Multivalency for Superselective Recognition of Pathogen Targets" (EngToTarget), combining experimental chemistry with automated experimentation and data-driven materials design for life science applications.
About Us:
The Technical University of Munich (TUM) is one of Europe's leading academic institutions. At the TUM School of Life Sciences, Prof. Stefan Guldin recently established the Chair of Complex Soft Matter. We deploy molecular self-assembly to create bio-inspired, bio-derived and bio-integrated materials for life science applications. Our research focuses on understanding and controlling the formation and interactions of soft materials at the nanoscale, using building blocks including polymers, biomolecules, vesicles and nanoparticles to engineer colloidal systems and interfaces with targeted functionality and selective molecular recognition. We combine synthesis and advanced characterisation with automated experimentation and data-driven materials design. Current activities include multivalent nanoparticles for selective recognition of biological targets, nanostructured biosensing interfaces for extracellular vesicle detection, and the investigation of protein interactions at functional biointerfaces.
Your Responsibilities:
- Conduct research on the synthesis, surface functionalisation and characterisation of multivalent colloidal nanoparticles
- Investigate interactions with biological targets, including selective binding, competitive interactions and nonspecific adsorption in complex biological environments
- Establish relationships between molecular architecture, ligand organisation and biomolecular recognition
- Develop reproducible experimental workflows and contribute to automated experimentation and data-driven optimization
- Analyse and interpret experimental data and document protocols and research findings
- Collaborate with researchers across chemistry, materials science, life sciences and computational disciplines
- Contribute to scientific publications, conference presentations and dissemination activities
- Contribute to teaching and practical courses and support the supervision of bachelor’s and master’s research projects
Your Profile:
- Master's degree or equivalent in chemistry, materials science, nanoscience, chemical engineering, or a related discipline
- Experimental research experience in synthetic chemistry, colloid science, soft matter, or functional nanomaterials
- Experience with ligand synthesis, nanoparticle synthesis or surface functionalisation is advantageous
- Familiarity with relevant characterisation techniques, such as NMR, mass spectrometry, light scattering, UV-vis or fluorescence spectroscopy, is beneficial
- Interest in multivalent interactions, molecular self-assembly and selective recognition of biological targets
- Enthusiasm for automated experimentation and data-driven materials design; experience with quantitative data analysis or scientific programming is advantageous
- Strong problem-solving abilities, careful experimental practice and motivation to pursue a doctorate in an interdisciplinary research environment
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within an international team
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
What We Offer:
- The opportunity to pursue a doctorate at the Technical University of Munich, one of Europe's leading universities, within an ERC-funded project on multivalent colloid science and selective biomolecular recognition
- Participation in an interdisciplinary research programme combining synthetic chemistry, molecular self-assembly, biointerfaces, automated experimentation and data-driven materials design
- Access to state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure and advanced characterisation platforms
- Scientific freedom to develop ideas and shape your doctoral research, supported by close mentoring from the principal investigator and principal scientist
- Opportunities to publish your research, present at international conferences and collaborate with leading research groups
- A collaborative and supportive international team, with opportunities for teaching experience and professional development
- Remuneration according to TV-L E13, with funding available for four years, subject to a positive progress evaluation.
Requirements
Research Field Chemistry » Physical chemistry Education Level Master Degree or equivalent
Research Field Physics » Chemical physics Education Level Master Degree or equivalent
Languages ENGLISH
Research Field Chemistry » Physical chemistryPhysics » Biophysics
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Research Associate in Supramolecular Colloidal Nanomaterials for Medicine and Diagnostics Arbeitgeber: Technical University of Munich
Die Technische Universität München (TUM) bietet eine herausragende Arbeitsumgebung für Doktoranden, die sich für die ethischen, rechtlichen und gesellschaftlichen Aspekte von NeuroAI interessieren. Mit einer vollständig finanzierten 75%-Stelle (TV-L E13) und der Möglichkeit zur interdisziplinären Zusammenarbeit in einem unterstützenden Team fördert TUM nicht nur wissenschaftliche Exzellenz, sondern auch die persönliche und akademische Entwicklung ihrer Mitarbeiter. Die enge Kooperation mit nationalen und internationalen Partnern sowie die Unterstützung bei der Veröffentlichung und Konferenzteilnahme machen diese Position besonders attraktiv für aufstrebende Wissenschaftler.
Kontaktdaten:
Technical University of Munich Recruiting-Team
