PhD Fellowship Synthetic Chemistry

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 1,600 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. Highly motivated candidates are invited to contribute to the innovative project CARAMEL – Covalent Chaotropic Membrane Transport for Biotherapeutic Delivery, as part of a dynamic international team embedded within a Synergy Grant funded by the European Research Council.

Project overview 

The CARAMEL project aims to pioneer new synthetic strategies for modified boron clusters that interact with biological membranes, enabling efficient transport of therapeutics across these barriers. This interdisciplinary research combines 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 structural characterization.
2. Physico-chemical analysis of interactions with cellular membrane models, utilizing liposomes with varied compositions.
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 .university

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

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