Research Associate in Supramolecular Colloidal Nanomaterials for Medicine and Diagnostics (Doctoral research)

20.10.2026, Academic staff

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The Chair of Complex Soft Matter at the TUM School of Life Sciences is seeking to appoint a Research Associate – Multivalent Colloid Science (E13, with the opportunity to pursue a doctorate) at the earliest possible date. The position addresses challenges in medicine/ diagnostics, focusing on the design of supramolecular architectures, their advanced physico-chemical characterization and relative biological activity.

About Us

The Technical University of Munich (TUM) is one of Europe’s leading academic institutions. At the TUM School of Life Sciences, Prof. Stefan Guldin recently established the Chair of Complex Soft Matter. We deploy molecular self-assembly to create bio-inspired, bio-derived and bio-integrated materials for life science applications. Our research focuses on understanding and controlling the formation and interactions of soft materials at the nanoscale, using building blocks including polymers, biomolecules, vesicles and nanoparticles to engineer colloidal systems and interfaces with targeted functionality and selective molecular recognition. We combine synthesis and advanced characterisation with automated experimentation and data-driven materials design. Current activities include multivalent nanoparticles for selective recognition of biological targets, nanostructured biosensing interfaces for extracellular vesicle detection, and the investigation of protein interactions at functional biointerfaces.

Your Responsibilities

• Contribute to the recently awarded ERC Consolidator Grant project “Engineering Multivalency for Superselective Recognition of Pathogen Targets” (EngToTarget), combining experimental chemistry with automated experimentation and data-driven materials design for life science applications”.

• Conducts research on the synthesis, surface functionalisation and characterisation of colloidal nanoparticles and their interactions with biological targets, including in complex biological environments. The aim is to understand how self-assembly and consequent molecular architecture govern multivalent interactions and selective biomolecular recognition.

• Perform high-throughput, automated synthesis, surface functionalization, and characterization of multivalent colloidal nanoparticles.

• Investigate interactions with biological targets, including selective binding, competitive interactions and nonspecific adsorption in complex biological environments

• Establish relationships between molecular architecture, ligand organisation and biomolecular recognition

• Develop reproducible experimental workflows and contribute to automated experimentation and data-driven optimization

• Analyse and interpret experimental data and document protocols and research findings

• Collaborate with researchers across chemistry, materials science, life sciences and computational disciplines

• Contribute to scientific publications, conference presentations and dissemination activities

• Contribute to teaching and practical courses and support the supervision of bachelor’s and master’s research projects

Your Profile

• Master’s degree or equivalent in chemistry, materials science, nanoscience, chemical engineering, or a related discipline

• Experimental research experience in synthetic chemistry, colloid science, soft matter, or functional nanomaterials

• Experience with ligand synthesis, nanoparticle synthesis or surface functionalisation is advantageous

• Familiarity with relevant characterisation techniques, such as NMR, mass spectrometry, light scattering, UV-vis or fluorescence spectroscopy, is beneficial

• Interest in multivalent interactions, molecular self-assembly and selective recognition of biological targets

• Enthusiasm for automated experimentation and data-driven materials design; experience with quantitative data analysis or scientific programming is advantageous

• Strong problem-solving abilities, careful experimental practice and motivation to pursue a doctorate in an interdisciplinary research environment

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within an international team

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English

What We Offer

• The opportunity to pursue a doctorate at the Technical University of Munich, one of Europe’s leading universities, within an ERC-funded project on multivalent colloid science and selective biomolecular recognition

• Participation in an interdisciplinary research programme combining synthetic chemistry, molecular self-assembly, biointerfaces, automated experimentation and data-driven materials design

• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure and advanced characterisation platforms

• Scientific freedom to develop ideas and shape your doctoral research, supported by close mentoring from the principal investigator and principal scientist

• Opportunities to publish your research, present at international conferences and collaborate with leading research groups

• A collaborative and supportive international team, with opportunities for teaching experience and professional development

• Remuneration according to TV-L E13, with funding available for four years, subject to a positive progress evaluation.

Application

Please submit your complete application documents as a single PDF file by 15 November 2026 to hr.cosmat@tum.de. For informal inquiries, please contact: Prof. Stefan Guldin guldin@tum.de

Kontakt: hr.cosmat@tum.de