Job Description

We are hiring!
For details see the attached document.

Please send a single PDF containing the following documents to jobapplication-landfestergroup@mpip-mainz.mpg.de (by e‑mail):
– Cover letter outlining your motivation and the position(s) you are applying for:
– Curriculum vitae (including a list of publications, if any);
– Copies of your Master’s (or equivalent) diploma and transcripts;
– Certificates and a brief description of your Master’s thesis (or any relevant research project).
Contact for further information: Prof. Dr. Volker Mailänder – volker.mailaender@mpip-mainz.mpg.de
We look forward to receiving your application and to welcoming you to our dynamic research team!

Details:

We are hiring – 3 PhD positions (2025-2028)
Max-Planck-Institute for Polymer Research (MPIP), Mainz – in close collaboration with the
University Medical Center Mainz (Dermatology Clinic)
Position 1 – ROS release from photocatalytic / enzymatic nanocarriers (Proximity-labelling)
The PhD candidate will develop and apply proximity-labelling strategies to map
reactive-oxygen-species (ROS) release from nanocarriers that are activated either by light or by
enzymes. In addition to conventional biological assays, the project will incorporate quantitative
proteomics to identify ROS-modified proteins and to elucidate downstream signalling pathways.
Position 2 – In-vivo evaluation of nanocarriers for neuro-degenerative disease
The successful applicant will establish a pipeline for the quantitative assessment of nanocarrier
delivery across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The work includes:

• in-vitro BBB models (Transwell, micro-fluidic chips) for permeability screening,
• in-vivo pharmacokinetic and biodistribution studies in rodent models of
  neuro-degeneration,
  Position 3 – Protein-based artificial cells for artificial-natural cell communication
  This project focuses on the design of protein-rich artificial cells (polymersomes, coacervates)
  that can exchange signals with living cells. The PhD student will:
• engineer protein-functionalised compartments,
• implement synthetic signalling cascades (e.g., quorum-sensing, enzymatic reporters),
• analyse inter-cellular communication using live-cell microscopy and flow cytometry.
  Your profile
• Excellent Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Biochemistry, Biomedical Chemistry,
  Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Biotechnology, or a closely related discipline.
• Outstanding academic record and a strong drive to work independently on challenging
  scientific questions.
• Willingness to acquire expertise in:
  o cell- and molecular-biology techniques,
  o protein chemistry and bioconjugation,
  o (for the respective project) proteomics, BBB modelling, or synthetic-cell engineering.
• Team player with high initiative, excellent communication skills and a genuine interest in interdisciplinary nanomedicine and drug-delivery research.
  What we offer
• A high-impact PhD project embedded in a long-standing, interdisciplinary team that investigates nanoparticle-cell interactions and builds artificial cells.
• State-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure at the MPIP Mainz campus, including advanced microscopy, proteomics facilities, micro-fluidic platforms and in-vivo imaging
  suites.
• Close collaboration with the University Medical Center Mainz (Dermatology Clinic),
  providing access to clinical samples and translational expertise.
• Professional development through regular seminars, workshops, and opportunities to present at international conferences.
• A supportive research environment with competitive funding, a vibrant international community, and excellent work-life balance