The Collaborative Research Center 1278 "PolyTarget - Polymer-based nanoparticle libraries for targeted anti-inflammatory strategies" is funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG). The goal of PolyTarget is to develop polymer-based, nanoparticulate carrier materials for pharmaceutically-active ingredients enabling targeted therapy of diseases and syndromes, whose morbidity is characterized by an inflammatory reaction. The Integrated Research Training Group (IRTG) of PolyTarget is educating doctoral researchers in a structured, interdisciplinary training program. Close cooperation within the multi- and interdisciplinary consortium with researchers from the areas of Chemistry, Materials Science, Biology, Pharmacy, and Medicine offers unique prerequisites for research activities across disciplines and to transfer the findings from basic research into applications (www.polytarget.uni-jena.de).

The Integrated Research Training Group of PolyTarget invites applications for a

Doctoral Researcher Position
at the Jena Center or Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena for
Characterization of Pharmapolymers and Nanomedicines

The position is associated to the Solution Characterization Group of the Jena Center for Soft Matter (www.jcsm.uni-jena.de/). This group offers versatile facilities with the newest analytical ultracentrifugation, fractionation/separation, and light scattering equipment.
The research responsibilities are closely associated and collaborate with various other projects within the framework of “PolyTarget” (www.polytarget.uni-jena.de) and take over tasks related to the characterization of nanoparticles, in particular by newly developed qualitative and quantitative techniques to study nanocarriers in a variety of settings. In focus of these studies are original studies concerning polymer architectures and nanocarriers intended for use in in vitro and in vivo settings. Attractive possibilities emerge from the collaboration with medicine, i.e., by direct study of structure-property relationships important for later clinical models in treating diseases.

Your responsibilities:

• Advanced physicochemical characterization of nanomedicines, including their behavior in biologically-relevant fluids.
• Systematic investigation of new techniques to elucidate salient features (physical and chemical) of newly developed nanomedicines.
• Active exchange of measurements and experiences with other sub-projects of the CRC, particularly nanoformulation, pharmacy, and medical departments.
• Presentation of scientific results and active contribution in the writing of manuscripts.

Your profile:

• A Master's degree (or equivalent) in chemistry, physics, biology or materials science.
• Scientifically concise and well-structured approach to experimental work, enthusiasm and creativity to elucidate so far unknown properties of materials.
• Highly self-motivated, creative, and proactive approach to experimental work.
• Ability for teamwork and thinking across subdiscipline boundaries.
• Very good written and oral communications skills in English.

We offer:

• A doctoral researcher position as well as generous research funding.
• Excellent infrastructure for performing cutting-edge research (incl. high-end analytical ultracentrifugation, dynamic light scattering, small angle x-ray scattering, field-flow analysis, chromatographic techniques, light scattering instrumentation and many more, see also www.schubert-group.de).
• An interdisciplinary working research team with expertise in all relevant areas of research, to be efficiently utilized for research.
• A strong scientific network integrating all relevant faculties of the Friedrich Schiller University and the University Hospital Jena, offering scientific stimulation and expertise beyond the own research objectives.
• Comprehensive mentoring program of hard and soft skills under guidance of an advisory board (Integrated Research Training Group) with the ability to develop individual skills and learn new skills in an optimal fashion.
• The place of work is Jena, Germany, a young and lively university town with dynamic business activities, successful scientific centers of innovation, and a vibrant cultural scene around a university with a rich tradition.

Participating Institutions:

The position is limited to end of June 2025, extensions may by possible, depending on funding for the third phase of the CRC, respectively alternative funding. The pay scale follows the wage agreements for public employees of federal German states (TV-L13, 65%).
Severely disabled applicants with equal qualification and aptitude are given preferential consideration.

Applications should be written in English. The application deadline is June 30th 2022.

Applications are submitted exclusively via e-mail to: jcsm@uni-jena.de

Selected applicants will be invited to interviews with potential future colleagues and a presentation in Jena, Germany.
For more information on the position, feel free to contact PD Dr. Ivo Nischang (ivo.nischang@uni-jena.de). For more information on the application process, please contact the coordinator, michael.gottschaldt@uni‐jena.de). More project details: http://www.polytarget.uni‐jena.de.