Career Opportunities

Join biointerfaces lab

PhD position within the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network INTRABRAIN

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.

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

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.

We offer

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 FAU

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 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 FAU´s job-portal (Please be aware that email or paper applications cannot be considered.)

Deadline

Submit your application by May 28^th 2026.

For additional information please to contact contact-biointerfaces@fau.de

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

FAU Students

Master’s Thesis: Coil Design for Magnetic Nanoparticle Stimulation

We are developing an experimental platform for remote stimulation of neural tissue using magnetoelectric nanoparticles. By applying alternating magnetic fields, these nanoparticles transduce magnetic energy into local electrical or mechanical stimuli, enabling wireless, non-contact neuromodulation.

We are looking for a highly motivated Master’s student with a background in engineering, physics, or a related field to support an experimental research project that uses alternating magnetic fields to stimulate magnetic nanoparticles. A key challenge is that coils heat up when generating sufficiently strong fields, which can disturb temperature-sensitive experiments. Your task will be to develop coil designs with an optimized temperature profile while meeting magnetic field requirements.

Your mission

Design and optimize coil geometries that generate the required AC magnetic field at the sample while minimizing coil temperature rise.
Build coupled electromagnetic COMSOL models (Magnetic Fields + Heat Transfer, optionally convection).
Evaluate trade-offs between field strength, homogeneity, frequency, power loss, and heating.

Your skills

Experience with COMSOL or comparable simulation software and AC electromagnetics, high-frequency loss modeling, and heat transfer.
Comfortable working independently and documenting results clearly.

What we offer

Hands-on work on an active research topic in wireless magnetic stimulation.
A highly interdisciplinary research environment at the interface of engineering, materials science, and neuroscience
Access to a 3D printer and electronics lab.
Active collaboration with an electronics research group at a partner European institute.

How to apply

Send a short paragraph describing your experience with electromagnetic or multiphysics simulation software (e.g., COMSOL, ANSYS, CST, or similar tools), CV (1–2 pages) to: contact-biointerfaces@fau.de

Master Thesis: Synthesis of Magnetic Nanotubes

The Biointerfaces Labs (Prof. Dr. Danijela Gregurec) is offering a Master Thesis in the field of synthesis of magnetic nanomaterials. Anisotropic geometries in magnetic nanostructures have been described by our group (Gregurec et al., 2021) with properties highly desirable for application in mechanical neuromodulation. Spindle or tube shape like nanoparticles represent promising candidates, as their rotation can be induced through external magnetic field stress, while still presenting a favorable shape for biological applications. The thesis will focus on the optimization of a hydrothermal reaction for the synthesis of nanotubes and nanospindles. The candidate will characterize the material and is expected to obtain a sound knowledge of crystal phase identification (QualX software, cell parameters calculations, Gaussian/Lorentzian fitting, etc.), magnetization curve analysis, and hands-on experience in sample preparation as well as basic TEM operation. The ideal candidate should have background in chemical synthesis and/or material science and a genuine interest in protocol development in material production, as well as an open-minded mentality, to work in a highly international and interdisciplinary team. This master thesis is integrated into a multidisciplinary project developing novel approaches for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, funded by the European Union’s European Innovation Council HORIZON-EIC-PATHFINDER program.

Master thesis: Calcium imaging for assessing magnetoelectric nanoparticle actuation on neurons

The Biointerfaces Lab (Prof. Dr. Danijela Gregurec) is offering a Master Thesis project in the field of nanotechnology and neuro-stimulation. The project aims to demonstrate the functionality of magnetoelectric nanoparticles in vitro. Experiments will be performed using fluorescence microscopy techniques to track calcium flux during induced cellular stimulation. The candidate will acquire comprehensive understanding on magnetoelectric materials and ion channel activation, hands on experience in primary cell cultures of hippocampal neurons as well as a direct handling of a fluorescence microscope and image processing. Ideally the MSc candidate should have a background in cultivation of cells and previous experience on microscopy (optical or fluorescent), as well as an open-minded mentality, to work in a highly international and interdisciplinary team. This master thesis is integrated into a multidisciplinary project developing novel approaches for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, funded by the European Union’s European Innovation Council HORIZON-EIC-PATHFINDER program.

If you are interested in working with us, don’t hesitate to reach out to join Biointerfaces lab as student assistant (HiWi) as well as for thesis work and practicals.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Did not find the right job for you? We are always looking for talented individuals to join our team. If you are interested in working with us, please get in touch: contact-biointerfaces@fau.de