PhD Researcher in Self-Assembly of Soft Matter

The Walther Lab at the Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz (Germany) is offering 2 fully funded PhD Researcher positions (chemistry or related; 3-4y) in a newly founded Collaborative Research Center on “Defects and Defect Engineering in Soft Matter”.

Position 1: Photochemical Regulation of Chemical Reaction Networks for the Design of Adaptive Life-Like Supramolecular Systems
Key words: Photochemistry, Supramolecular Chemistry, Systems Chemistry, Chemical Reaction Networks, Microscopy

Position 2: ATP-Driven Life-Like DNA Systems
Key words: DNA Nanoscience, Dissipative Self-Assemblies, Chemical Reaction Networks, Systems Chemistry, Machine Learning

More information for both positions: https://www.walther-group.com/job-openings-phd-postdoc

Both projects are part of the Collaborative Research Center 1552 “Defects and Defect Engineering in Soft Matter”. You will be part of a structured research and training program spanning ca. 15 research groups, and will be embedded in smaller research teams tackling specific challenges. You will be hired according to the German Salary Scheme with full benefits.

The Walther Lab is a diverse and international team conducting pioneering international research in the field of “Life-like Materials and Systems” using concepts from self-assembly, systems chemistry, DNA nanoscience, photochemistry and materials science.

Join us to conduct cutting-edge research of the highest international visibility. We offer an inspiring and collaborative team atmosphere in a multinational and multidisciplinary environment, as well as numerous opportunities for professional and personal development. Thanks to the generous support of the University of Mainz and the Gutenberg Research College, we run brand new, state-of-the-art synthetic and analytical infrastructures and facilities.

Prof. Walther (h-index 67, age 42) is a Gutenberg Research Professor, a Max Planck Fellow and a 2 x ERC Awardee. The team has a strong track record in high impact publications and in promoting individuals for academic career pathways.  

Expected Candidate Profile. As an ideal candidate you are creative, highly self-motivated, ambitious, and communicative to excel in scientific challenges. You hold a M.Sc. in Chemistry and have a background in soft matter-related topics. Your performance in your M.Sc. is clearly above average. Additional qualifications in microscopy, supramolecular chemistry, DNA Nanoscience or Python/Matlab programming is a plus. We are willing to train you in complementary skills.

The positions are available from October 2023 (flexible starting data) and have a duration of 3 years (+1 year extension possible).

Application Deadline is September 1st 2023.

Please send your full application as a single PDF file containing

• letter of motivation including a summary of your past research experience, in particular a meaningful summary of your master thesis; transcript of records of your Master and B.Sc. program. Detail in your letter why you believe you are the right person and what you expect from us
• curriculum vitae and list of publications (if applicable)
• Two contacts for reference letters

To andreas.walther@uni-mainz.de