Job advertisement for PhD student:
CLIMB brings together leading research laboratories with expertise spanning chemistry, physics, pharmaceutics, biology, and computational sciences. The project focuses on studying the complex interplay between lipid composition, structural properties, and membrane-driven interactions, with the aim of developing advanced lipid-based materials for a variety of applications. Key research themes include:
- Understanding the role of lipid compositional complexity in membrane properties and functions.
- Developing lipid nanomaterials for use in mRNA delivery systems, bio-sensors, and sustainable formulations.
- Physicochemical characterization of aggregates formed by novel lipid mixtures, including natural extracts and polymer/peptoid coatings.
Doctoral Candidates will benefit from a rich, multidisciplinary training environment, with opportunities to collaborate with both small and large industrial partners, contributing to cutting-edge research with real-world applications.
The PhD position on the University Mainz can be filled during 2025 for 3 years. The selected candidate from all countries (except Germany) will engage in multidisciplinary research, participate in international secondments across academic and industrial settings, and contribute to high-impact publications and conferences.
Topic: Structure-function correlation in lipid nanoparticle systems for RNA delivery
and other lipid and polymeric nanoparticle systems with potential use in drug delivery
Host: Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
PhD School: Department of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology at IPBW, Johannes Gutenberg University
Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Peter Langguth
Project focus: Development and characterisation of novel lipid-based formulations for RNA delivery. Determination of the structure-composition-transfection relationship and investigation of endosomal uptake and release.
Your Profile:
- You have a very good degree in natural sciences, ideally with links to production and characterization of biomolecules and nanoparticles
- You have demonstrated successful scientific achievements particularly by the quality of your MSc thesis, conference presentations, or publications
- Very good oral and written proficiency in English
- You are interested in working in a multidisciplinary and international research environment
- Your are willing to undertake international travel for training and research activities within the CLIMB consortium
- You fulfil the specific eligibility criteria of the MSCA-Doctoral Network Programme
- Doctoral Candidates must not yet been awarded a doctoral degree at the date of the recruitment.
- Doctoral Candidates must have not resided or carried out main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the host beneficiary for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the recruitment date.
- Doctoral Candidates must be able to understand and express themselves in both written and spoken English.
- Note: Mobility rules apply to both physical residence and the institution where the activity was performed (e.g., remote studies).
Please apply with the following documents:
- Curriculum vitae
- Master [alternatively, the expected graduation date of Master's degree] and Bachelor diplomas
- Motivation letter stating your specific interest, motivation and qualifications for the project in question (max 1 A4 page)
- A research statement describing how your expertise and previous experience align with the PhD project objectives (200 words)
- The names of at least two reference persons (provide names and contact details) who can provide information on your research performance
Further information:
- Salary: Gross monthly salary approx. 3900€ (minus a deduction of compulsory employer social contributions; if applicable; including family allowance: 4600€)
- For further information to the CLIMB project visit here
Please send your detailed application documents to: