The Szekeres group at the Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry of Freie Universität Berlin is a newly established interdisciplinary team and is seeking a highly motivated, scientifically excellent research associate (doctoral researcher) within the BMFTR NanoMatFutur project “GAGosome”. The aim of this project is to establish a fundamental understanding of how engineered glycan-lipid conjugates modulate the structural dynamics and function of lipid nanoparticles with the ultimate goal of enabling targeted drug delivery. A new analytical integrating advanced vibrational spectroscopy with other biophysical methods will be developed to probe the dynamic structural and chemical properties of these conjugated lipid membranes.
 
Job description:
The PhD student will play a central role in the conjugation, characterization, and functional evaluation of glycan-lipid conjugates and the formulation of lipid nanoparticles. The work includes the design of conjugation strategies, the formulation of conjugated lipid nanoparticles, and their subsequent structural and chemical characterization. The corresponding insights will help understand how the conjugation influences lipid nanoparticle stability and interactions with the physiological target molecules.
 
Requirements:
Completed scientific degree (M. Sc. or Diploma) in Chemistry, Biochemistry or related subjects.
 
Desirable:
• A verry good to good degree is desirable.
• Experience in sugar- and/or lipid chemistry,
• practical experience in synthesis, particularly conjugation approaches, as well as basic knowledge of separation and analytical methods (e.g., chromatography, mass spectrometry, NMR, etc.),
• excellent written and spoken English skills,
• Interest in biomolecular analytical tools, particularly in vibrational spectroscopy,
• Efficiency, creativity, and proactivity-driven approach to scientific work.

We look forward to receiving your application, which should include the following documents:
• A one-page motivational letter describing the candidate’s previous experience, scientific interests, and future goals.
• Curriculum vitae (with list of publication if applicable)
• Proof of academic achievements, including copies of B. Sc. and M. Sc. degrees
• At least two letters of support.