PhD Fellowship - Synthetic Chemistry & Membrane Transport

1w1 week ago

Constructor University

Bremen, DE · Part-time · €48,000 – €55,000

About this role

Join a cutting-edge research team at Constructor University. We offer two fully funded, 3-year PhD fellowships in the Nau research group for the CARAMEL project – Covalent Chaotropic Membrane Transport for Biotherapeutic Delivery. Contribute as part of a dynamic international team funded by European Research Council Synergy Grant.

The project pioneers new synthetic strategies for modified boron clusters that interact with biological membranes for efficient therapeutic transport. This interdisciplinary research combines organic synthesis, supramolecular chemistry, and membrane biophysics. Highly motivated candidates will drive innovation in biotherapeutic delivery.

Perform multi-step synthesis of novel boron cluster derivatives with purification and structural characterization. Conduct physico-chemical analysis using liposomes with varied compositions. Undertake mechanistic studies employing advanced fluorescence-based assays on membrane transport.

Work in an English-language university ranked top 25% worldwide and second most international. Enjoy academic freedom, diversity, and equal opportunity in a community of 1,600 students from 110 nations. Benefit from trust working hours, remote possibilities, and career development planning.

Requirements

BSc and MSc in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related fields with background in synthetic organic or elementoinorganic chemistry and research experience
Hands-on experience with characterization techniques such as NMR, LC-MS, HPLC, and spectroscopy (UVvis, fluorescence)
Familiarity with supramolecular interactions or membrane models highly desirable
Excellent communication skills in English (both written and spoken)
Strong teamworking, organizational, and problem-solving abilities

Responsibilities

Multi-step synthesis of novel boron cluster derivatives, including purification and full structural characterization
Physico-chemical analysis of interactions with cellular membrane models utilizing liposomes with varied compositions
Mechanistic studies of membrane transport employing advanced fluorescence-based assays
Pioneer new synthetic strategies for modified boron clusters interacting with biological membranes
Contribute to organic synthesis, supramolecular chemistry, and membrane biophysics in the CARAMEL project
Enable efficient transport of therapeutics across biological membrane barriers