PhD position within the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network INTRABRAIN
Your workplace
The Biointerfaces Lab at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate with a strong background in nanomedicine, biomaterials, pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, biomedical engineering, or a related discipline. The PhD position will be part of the MSCA Doctoral Network INTRABRAIN: Nanoplatforms and Oncolytic viruses for novel cancer immunotherapy strategies.

The PhD project focuses on the development of chitosan-coated nanoparticle systems functionalised with peptides for oncolytic virus encapsulation, with the aim of improving translocation across the blood-brain barrier and targeting of glioblastoma cells.

The work lies at the intersection of biology, biomaterials, and biotechnology, within a highly interdisciplinary team combining expertise in nanomaterials, biology, and cellular interfaces. You will have access to:

• Advanced interdisciplinary training in nanomedicine, biomaterials, and translational biomedical research, embedded in an international consortium with secondments within the Training Network
• A highly interdisciplinary and international research environment
• Access to and training in advanced methods in nanomaterials, imaging, and physiology
• Close supervision and strong integration into a dynamic research team at FAUExcellent support during the academic qualification phase

Our benefits

• Regular promotion to the next level and increase in salary pursuant to the collective bargaining agreement for the public service of the German Länder (TV-L) or remuneration pursuant to the Bavarian Public Servants Remuneration Act (BayBesG) plus an additional annual bonus
• 30 days annual leave at five working days per week with additional free days on December 24 and 31
• Occupational pension scheme and asset accumulation savings scheme
• Structured doctoral degree programs
• Systematic career development in collaboration with the Graduate Center
• Thorough onboarding process with a dedicated team
• Joint team activities
• Subsidized food and drinks in our student restaurants
• Place of work within comfortable walking distance of public transport
• Family-friendly environment with childcare options, also during school holidays
• Flexible working hours
• A wide range of training courses and opportunities for professional development
• Active health management

Your Tasks
Your tasks

The successful candidate will work on:

· Integration of translocating and targeting peptides into nanoparticle polymer complexes

· Assess nanoparticle transport in endothelial cell models using fluorescence-based methods

· Evaluate tumour-targeting efficacy in glioblastoma models.

· Collaborate closely with researchers in materials science and bioengineering

Your Profile
Required qualifications

Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in nanomedicine, biomaterials, pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, biomedical engineering, or a related discipline, and must meet the MSCA Doctoral Networks mobility and eligibility requirements (https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/actions/doctoral-networks).

Desired experience

Experience in cell culture and fluorescence-based methods, as well as nanoparticle synthesis and functionalization would be an asset.

Supplementary description
Application

Applicants should send one pdf file with:

· Curriculum Vitae (max 2 pages)

· Cover letter (max 1 page)

· Certificate of Master’s Degree (or equivalent) with transcript of records

· Application form found within the portal with:

· Proof of English proficiency

· Contact details of 2-3 referees, who may be contacted directly by the appointment committee.

· List of publication(s) (incl. manuscript of listed publication), if applicable

· Work/research experience certificates, if applicable

via this portal.

Deadline

Submit your application by May 28th 2026.

For additional information please to contact

Application deadline

2026-05-28

Title

PhD position within the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network INTRABRAIN

Job start date

2026-09-01

Payment

Working time

full time

Weekly working hours

40

### Temporary Contract yes

Further general conditions

Work location

Henkestr. 1
91052 Erlangen

Contact

Danijela Gregurec
Tel.: +49 9131 85-25859
Mobil:
contact-biointerfaces@fau.de

Please apply via our online platform instead of sending applications by post or e-mail. Applications sent to us by post will not be returned.

With regard to the personal data collected during the application process, please refer to our information pursuant to Art. 13 and 14 of the General Data Protection Regulations at .

FAU is a modern, cosmopolitan and family-friendly employer. We welcome your application irrespective of your age, gender, cultural and social background, religion, ideological beliefs, disability or sexual identity. Applicants with a disability or who are considered to be equivalent to people with a disability will be given preference provided their aptitude, performance and capability are essentially the same. We are happy to offer part-time positions, provided a job-sharing arrangement means that the tasks in the area are fully covered.

If you wish, you may invite a person responsible for ensuring equal rights to accompany you to the job interview without incurring any disadvantages.