Open PhD position on “Bioinspired medical adhesives” PhD Project funded by EU Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Programm Horizont 2020 at the INM – Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Saarbrücken, Germany.
General Introduction: Tissue gluing is a cost-effective and time-saving alternative to suturing in surgery. However, most surgery wounds are sutured because of the lack of biodegradable tissue glues able to fix tissue with sufficient adhesion strength. In the marine world, attachment in the presence of fluids is solved with elegant approaches. These inspire the design of new adhesive systems. In this cooperative project different natural concepts for attachment to wet environments will be studied and translated into the design of novel adhesive materials for tissue fixation.
Objectives of the project –
The objective of the PhD thesis at INM is the development of adhesive systems for medical applications. The candidate will be trained in organic and polymer chemistry using biodegradable materials of natural and synthetic origin. He/she will cooperate with industrial and academic partners within the BioSmart Project in testing and characterization of adhesion performance and mechanisms.
Qualifications / Requirements – The successful candidate has a MSc degree in Chemistry/Polymer Chemistry/Physical Chemistry/Material Science. Previous experience with biopolymers or protein based materials is highly desired.
Tasks involved during the project –
- The project will be carried out at INM – Leibniz Institute for New Materials in Saarbrücken (Germany) under the supervision of Prof. Aránzazu del Campo.
- The INM – Leibniz Institute for New Materials in Saarbrücken, Germany, is an internationally leading center for materials research.
- We focus on surface and interface phenomena and their exploitation in the development of innovative materials and structures.
- INM is a scientific partner to national and international research institutions and a provider of research and development for companies throughout the world. INM has about 200 employees and is an institute of the Leibniz Association.
- During the PhD, the candidate will visit and carry our research at academic and industrial partner groups within the EU Biosmart Project to learn new characterization techniques and approaches.
- The candidate should have a strong motivation for science and proficient written and oral communication skills in English.
Applicants must also satisfy the eligibility requirements for ESR under the EC Horizon 2020 Innovative Training Network Programme; in particular they should be eligible to be appointed as ESR in Germany:
- To have less than four years research experience after Undergraduate/Masters graduation (this is cumulative research experience and does not include management/industrial or other work experience).
- To not hold a PhD degree (PhD candidates under 4 years of registration and before completion may apply).
- To not have resided or carried out their main activity in Germany for more than 12 months in the three years immediately prior to their recruitment.
In case of identical qualifications, preference will be given to severely disabled candidates. The INM – Leibniz Institute for New Materials is committed to providing equal career opportunities for men and women.
For more details and to apply: Contact To apply, please e-mail a detailed CV including at least two references along with a letter of application to Prof. Aránzazu del Campo:
E-mal: aranzazu.delcampo@leibniz-inm.de.
Tel: +49 681 9300 510
Deadline: Unspecified