PhD Position in Supramolecular Colloidal Nanomaterials, Technical University of Munich, Germany

Summary

The Technical University of Munich’s Chair of Complex Soft Matter seeks a Research Associate to work on multivalent colloidal nanomaterials for medical diagnostics. The role involves synthesis, surface functionalisation, high‑throughput automated experiments, and data‑driven optimisation within the ERC‑funded EngToTarget project. Candidates must hold a master’s degree, have experimental experience in chemistry or related fields, and be proficient in English. The position offers a four‑year TV‑L E13 salary, doctoral supervision, access to state‑of‑the‑art facilities, and opportunities for publications, conferences, and teaching experience. Applications are due 15 November 2026 via a single PDF submission.

Key Facts

Employer	Technical University of Munich
Department	Chair of Complex Soft Matter, TUM School of Life Sciences
Position Type	Research Associate
Discipline	Chemistry, Materials Science, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering
Research Area	Supramolecular Colloidal Nanomaterials for Medicine and Diagnostics
Experience	Experimental research experience in synthetic chemistry, colloid science, soft matter, or functional nanomaterials
Salary	Remuneration according to TV-L E13
Funding	Salary according to TV-L E13
Contract Duration	Four years
Language	English
Deadline	2026-11-15
Required Documents	Complete application documents as a single PDF file
Employer Contact	[email protected]; Prof. Stefan Guldin [email protected]
Employer Address	Bavaria (Bayern), 80333, Bavaria (Bayern)

About the Project

The position is part of the ERC Consolidator Grant project “Engineering Multivalency for Superselective Recognition of Pathogen Targets” (EngToTarget). The project aims to design supramolecular architectures and multivalent colloidal nanoparticles that achieve highly selective biomolecular recognition of disease‑related targets, combining synthetic chemistry, automated experimentation, and data‑driven materials design.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the ERC‑funded EngToTarget project
• Synthesize, surface‑functionalise and characterise colloidal nanoparticles
• Perform high‑throughput automated synthesis and analysis
• Investigate interactions with biological targets in complex environments
• Establish relationships between molecular architecture and recognition
• Develop reproducible experimental workflows and data‑driven optimisation
• Analyse and document experimental data
• Collaborate across chemistry, materials science, life sciences and computation
• Contribute to scientific publications and conference presentations
• Assist in teaching and supervise bachelor’s and master’s projects

Required Skills

• Experimental research experience in synthetic chemistry, colloid science, soft matter or functional nanomaterials
• Experience with ligand synthesis, nanoparticle synthesis or surface functionalisation (advantageous)
• Familiarity with NMR, mass spectrometry, light scattering, UV‑vis or fluorescence spectroscopy (beneficial)
• Interest in multivalent interactions and molecular self‑assembly
• Enthusiasm for automated experimentation and data‑driven design
• Quantitative data analysis or scientific programming (advantageous)
• Strong problem‑solving abilities and careful experimental practice
• Ability to work independently and in an international team
• Excellent written and verbal communication in English

Who Should Apply

Applicants with a master’s degree in chemistry, materials science, nanoscience, chemical engineering or a related discipline, who have hands‑on experience in synthetic chemistry, colloid science or functional nanomaterials, and who are fluent in English. The ideal candidate is motivated to pursue a PhD, comfortable with automated high‑throughput experiments, data‑driven design, and collaborative international research.

Benefits

• Opportunity to pursue a doctorate at TUM within an ERC‑funded project
• Interdisciplinary research programme combining chemistry, self‑assembly, bio‑interfaces and data‑driven design
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art laboratory infrastructure and advanced characterisation platforms
• Scientific freedom with close mentoring from the principal investigator
• Opportunities to publish, present at international conferences and collaborate with leading groups
• Collaborative international team with teaching experience and professional development
• Remuneration according to TV‑L E13 for up to four years

About the Employer

The Technical University of Munich (TUM) is a leading European university. The Chair of Complex Soft Matter, newly established in the TUM School of Life Sciences, focuses on molecular self‑assembly to create bio‑inspired materials for life‑science applications, employing synthesis, advanced characterisation, automated experimentation and data‑driven design.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline?

15 November 2026.

What documents must be submitted?

A single PDF file containing all required application documents.

Is the position funded for a specific duration?

Funding is available for four years, subject to a positive progress evaluation.

Are there language requirements?

Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are required.

Who can be contacted for informal inquiries?

Prof. Stefan Guldin at [email protected].