The newly established Translational Organ Microsystems (TOM) Group at the Center of Polymers for Life (CPL)/ Department for Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry, University of Würzburg, Germany, is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join our interdisciplinary research team.

Our research combines biofabrication, biomaterials, tissue engineering, microphysiological systems (organ chips), and immunology to develop next-generation human organ models for studying disease mechanisms and accelerating translational research. We work at the interface of engineering, biology, and medicine to create physiologically relevant in vitro models with a particular focus on the lung.

This position is ideal for applicants who enjoy working across disciplines, are curious about learning new techniques, and are excited to contribute to building a young and collaborative research group.

The successful candidate will contribute to the development of advanced human in vitro lung models by combining expertise from multiple disciplines. Depending on your background and interests, your work may include:

• Advanced cell culture
• Development of biomaterials and biofabrication strategies for engineered tissues
• Investigation of host-pathogen and immune interactions using advanced in vitro models
• Design and characterisation of organ-on-chip and microphysiological systems
• Imaging, cellular/molecular biology, and functional characterisation of engineered tissues
• Collaboration with researchers from engineering, biology, medicine, and clinical sciences

No candidate is expected to have expertise in all of these areas. We value scientific curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to learn new skills.

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, including:

• Biology/Infection and Immunity
• Biomaterials/Tissue Engineering

Applicants should have:

• An excellent Master's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline
• Experience with mammalian cell culture
• Strong motivation for interdisciplinary research
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively
• Good written and spoken English

The following are advantageous but not required:

• Biomaterials or Biofabrication
• Organ-on-chip or other advanced in vitro models
• Microfluidics
• Microscopy and image analysis
• Molecular biology or immunological techniques (e.g. Flow cytometry)

Applicants are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the group's research. Selected publications include:

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202523588
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202205083
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1152/ajplung.00002.2026
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/thorax-2026-225369

For more information about the TOM Group, please visit: www.doryab-lab.com