PhD Fellowship Synthetic Chemistry & Membrane Transport (mfd)

Constructor University (formerly Jacobs University) is a private state-accredited English-language university in Bremen. We offer Bachelor Master and PhD programs in three schools: School of Science School of Computer Science and Engineering and School of Business Social and Decision Sciences. Our principles are first-class teaching and research international diversity and transdisciplinary cooperation. According to the 2024 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings Constructor University is among the top 25 percent out of more than 1900 universities worldwide and is ranked as the second most international university in the world. As an international university we attract highly talented and open-minded students from all over the world. Currently over 1600 students from 110 nations live and study on our residential campus.

Join a cutting-edge research team!

We are offering two fully funded 3-year PhD fellowships in the Nau research group at Constructor University. Highlymotivated candidates are invited to contribute to the innovative project CARAMEL Covalent Chaotropic MembraneTransport for Biotherapeutic Delivery as part of a dynamic international team embedded within a Synergy Grantfunded by the European Research Council.

Project overview

The CARAMEL project aims to pioneer new synthetic strategies for modified boron clusters that interact with biologicalmembranes enabling efficient transport of therapeutics across these barriers. This interdisciplinary researchcombines organic synthesis supramolecular chemistry and membrane biophysics.

Your role

You will contribute to the following tasks within the project framework:
1. Multi-step synthesis of novel boron cluster derivatives including purification and full structuralcharacterization.
2. Physico-chemical analysis of interactions with cellular membrane models utilizing liposomes with variedcompositions.
3. Mechanistic studies of membrane transport employing advanced fluorescence-based assays

Your profile

• 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 is highly desirable.

• Excellent communication skills in English (both written and spoken).

• Strong teamworking organizational and problem-solving abilities.

What you can expect at Constructor University:

Constructor University unequivocally guarantees the academic freedom of every member of the faculty as well as every other member of the Constructor University community. We encourage diversity in the University in ethnic cultural social religious political and national backgrounds as well as in individual lifestyle. Constructor University offers full equality of opportunity to all qualified applicants and is an equal opportunity employer.

Constructor University consistently achieves top results in national and international university rankings.

In the CHE Ranking the most comprehensive and detailed ranking of the German-speaking higher education landscape Constructor University has achieved top placements every year since its first participation in 2005.

• The result counts: trust working hours for work-life balance

• Individual on-boarding career- and development planning

• Company fitness program offers with EGYM Well Pass (former Qualitrain)

• Green campus with recreation areas take the tour: Our Campus

• Constructor University has extensive programs on sustainability and environmental sustainability

Your Application

Please upload a single PDF file () including:

• A motivation letter outlining your interest and suitability for the position.

• Your Curriculum Vitae.

• Academic transcripts (BSc and MSc).

• Contact details of two academic referees.

• A brief summary of previous research experience (max 1 page).

For any questions please contact to

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to online or in-person interviews.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until both positions are filled.

Take the next step in your scientific career and help shape the future of biotherapeutic delivery!