Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry (FMZ)
Organisation/Company University of Würzburg Department Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry (FMZ) Research Field Engineering » Biomaterial engineering Biological sciences » Biological engineering Medical sciences » Medicine Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 31 Oct 2026 - 00:00 (Europe/Berlin) Country Germany Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 2 Jan 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join the Translational Organ Microsystems (TOM) Group at the Department for Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry (FMZ) / Center of Polymers for Life (CPL), Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU).
The PhD project will focus on developing advanced immunocompetent human lung-on-chip models to investigate pulmonary inflammation, infection, and tissue injury. The research will integrate human airway epithelial and endothelial cells with immune cells, particularly neutrophils and macrophages, within microfluidic and perfusable culture platforms.
The candidate will contribute to the development and functional characterisation of these models, investigating immune cell recruitment, transmigration, and pulmonary barrier responses under physiologically relevant conditions, including fluid flow and mechanical stimulation.
The project combines organ-on-chip technologies, advanced cell culture, and microfluidics to better understand host-pathogen interactions and inflammatory lung diseases, with potential applications in therapeutic evaluation.
For further information about our research and experimental platforms, applicants are encouraged to read the following publications:
- Doryab A. et al. (2022). Real-Time Measurement of Cell Mechanics as a Clinically Relevant Readout of an In Vitro Lung Fibrosis Model Established on a Bioinspired Basement Membrane. Advanced Materials , 34, 2205083. https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202205083
- Doryab A. et al. (2021). A Biomimetic, Copolymeric Membrane for Cell-Stretch Experiments with Pulmonary Epithelial Cells at the Air-Liquid Interface. Advanced Functional Materials , 31, 2004707. https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202004707
Research Field Biological sciences » Biological engineering Education Level Master Degree or equivalent
Research Field Medical sciences » Medicine Education Level Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
- Master's degree (or equivalent) in biomedical engineering, bioengineering, biotechnology, tissue engineering, or a closely related field.
- Strong background in advanced human in vitro models, organ-on-chip technologies, or microfluidic cell culture systems.
- Practical experience in mammalian cell culture and experimental laboratory research.
- Familiarity with cellular and tissue characterisation techniques, such as immunofluorescence, microscopy, and functional assays.
- Good written and spoken English.
- Strong motivation for interdisciplinary research and the ability to work independently and within a team.
Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent
Research Field Engineering » Biomaterial engineeringEngineering » Biomedical engineeringBiological sciences » Biological engineering
Additional Information
- Fully funded PhD position for three years.
- Interdisciplinary and international research environment.
- Access to state-of-the-art microfluidic, biofabrication, cell culture, and imaging facilities.
- Opportunities for scientific training, international collaboration, and conference participation.
Eligibility criteria
- Applicants must hold a Master's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline and demonstrate practical experience in organ-on-chip, microfluidic cell culture, or advanced in vitro models. Candidates must be available to start as soon as possible.
The position is available immediately and will remain open until a suitable candidate is selected.
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