Oliver Fackler

Heidelberg University is advertising a PhD opportunity in responsive and tunable hydrogel platforms for next-generation biomedical applications. The project sits at the interface of polymer chemistry, materials science, biomedical engineering, and medical science, with a strong focus on the molecular design, synthesis, and characterization of functional polymer materials. The successful PhD candidate will develop innovative polymer systems with tailored chemical, mechanical, and biological properties, and investigate their use as advanced biomaterial platforms for 3D cell culture models and controlled modulation of disease-associated immune responses. The work will be carried out in collaboration with the group of Prof. Oliver Fackler at the Center for Integrative Infectious Disease Research (CIID), within the Excellence Cluster SynthImmune. This is a highly interdisciplinary environment where the student can gain expertise in advanced material synthesis, state-of-the-art characterization techniques, hydrogel design, and application-driven biomaterials research. The post highlights experience in polymer synthesis, modification, and characterization as important, while light-driven chemistry and biomaterials experience are advantageous. Strong English skills and motivation for collaborative research are required. Interested candidates should submit a single PDF containing a CV, cover letter, transcripts, and publication list. Applications should be sent to Prof. Dr. Eva Blasco and Dr. Samantha Catt. Review begins immediately.