PhD position – Feedback control of dynamic condensate assembly and disassembly
Biomolecular condensates are fascinating cellular structures that can rapidly assemble and disassemble – a property we want to harness to build self-regulating synthetic compartments. We are offering a PhD position focused on engineering feedback mechanisms that control condensate assembly and disassembly. The project combines cell-free expression, microfluidics, and fluorescence microscopy to build and characterize condensate systems that switch engineered functions on and off in response to their own assembly state. You will characterize the dynamics of condensate formation and design gene expression or enzyme activity switches triggered by condensate assembly. Based on this you will work toward achieving periodic, self-regulated condensate cycles.
We are looking for someone with an MSc in biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology, synthetic biology, or a related field, who is excited about interdisciplinary, collaborative research. Prior experience with cell-free expression systems, microfluidics, molecular cloning, microscopy and quantitative analyses is a plus.
The Niederholtmeyer Lab is located at the TUM Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability and is part of the BioSysteM Cluster of Excellence, connecting you to a vibrant PhD community across the wider Munich area.
The position is funded at TV-L E13 (65%) and can be filled from July 2026. Please send your motivation letter, CV, transcripts, and contact information for at least two references as a single PDF to jobs_syb(at)cs.tum.de by April 26, 2026.