15 PhD (Doctoral Candidate) positions in Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network (DN) Monalisa – Artificial Molecular Machines

General Information:

The Monalisa: “Motorized Nanomachines: Fundamentals, Innovations, Applications” project is funded by the MARIE SKLODOWSKA CURIE Action - Doctoral Network “MonaLisa”, within the Horizon Europe Program of the European Commission. (https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101169136) 

MonaLisa, a pioneering European consortium of 20 partners consisting of high-profile universities, research institutions and companies located in 5 European countries, is at the forefront of artificial molecular machine research, setting the stage for breakthroughs in chemical synthesis, nanotechnology, medical treatment and smart materials.

Building on the foundational work recognized by the 2016 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, MonaLisa aims to make groundbreaking discoveries in the design and functional control of molecular machines that will lead to first demonstrations with practical relevance. At the heart of MonaLisa is an innovative training program. Fifteen doctoral candidates will receive comprehensive mentoring and training by highly experienced Principal Investigators – including two Nobel Laureates – to become future leaders in the field. The program is designed to foster not only academic excellence but also entrepreneurial skills, enabling these professionals to translate scientific breakthroughs into innovations and support evidence-based decision-making.

The following DCs positions are available:

DC1: Generation of Helical Movement and Torque by Cytoskeletal Motor Proteins – Technische Universität Dresden

DC2: Oscillatory Behavior of Molecular Motors in Biological and Engineered Systems – Technische Universität Dresden
Website: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/341183
Supervisor: Prof. Stefan Diez, [email protected]

DC3: Autonomous Brownian Rotors Based on DNA Origami – Technische Universität Muenchen

DC4: Controlling Reactions with Electrically Driven DNA Machines – Technische Universität Muenchen
Website: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/339714
Supervisor: Prof. Friedrich Simmel, [email protected]

DC5: Polymeric Materials for Non-Equilibrium Photo- and Electro-Mechanical Actuation – University of Bologna

DC6: Geared Movements in Mechanically Interlocked Systems – University of Bologna
Website: - https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/337747
https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/337748
Supervisor: Prof. Alberto Credi, [email protected]

DC7: Development of an Integrated Platform for Single-Molecule Force Spectroscopy Experiments Under External Stimulus – University of Liege

DC8: Measuring Twisting Work at the Single-Molecule Level – University of Liege
Website: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/335675
Supervisor: Prof Anne-Sophie Duwez, [email protected]

DC9: Study of Dynamic Covalent Molecular Motors at Surfaces and in Confined Spaces – University of Strasbourg
Website: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/342937 
Supervisor: Prof. Jean-Marie Lehn 
Complete applications and/or enquiries about the position should be sent to the MonaLisa Coordinator, Prof. Nicolas Giuseppone, [email protected].

DC10: Molecular Muscles and Actuating Materials – University of Groningen

DC11: Cooperative Effects of Molecular Motors – University of Groningen
Positions website: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/342506 
Supervisor: Prof. Ben L. Feringa, [email protected]

DC12: Motorised Hydrogels – National Research Scientific Council (CNRS) Strasbourg 

DC13: Effect of Twisting Work in Dynamic Combinatorial Systems – National Research Scientific Council (CNRS) Strasbourg 
Website: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/340759
https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/341496
Supervisor: Prof. Nicolas Giuseppone, [email protected]

DC14: Application of Switchable and Motorized Hydrogels for the Design of Light-Modulable Membranes – Specialty Operations France, Bordeaux
Website: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/341164
Supervisor: Jean-Baptiste Salmon, [email protected]

DC15: Using Mechanical Bonds to Make Long-Life PVC Materials – SOPREMA, Strasbourg
Website: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/342932
Supervisor: Remi Perrin, [email protected]
Complete applications and/or enquiries about the position should be sent to the MonaLisa Coordinator, Prof. Nicolas Giuseppone, [email protected].

For more information and to send your application, please follow the link of each DC research project or contact the indicated supervisor.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Benefits: The successful candidates will receive an attractive salary in accordance with the MSCA regulations for doctoral candidates. The generous financial package includes a living allowance, a mobility allowance, and a family allowance (if eligible). The guaranteed PhD funding within MonaLisa is for 36 months. A career development plan will be prepared for each fellow in accordance with his/her supervisor and will include training, planned secondments and outreach activities in partner institutions of the network. The DCs fellows are expected to complete their PhD thesis by the end of the 3rd year of their employment.

Eligibility criteria: 

1. Nationality: Candidates may be of any nationality 
2. Qualification and research experience: The applicant must fulfill the requirements defined for Doctoral Candidates (DCs): DCs are researchers who at the date of recruitment have not yet been awarded the doctoral degree and are in the first 4 years (full-time equivalent) of his/her research career. Full time research experience is measured from the date when a researcher obtained the degree which formally entitled him or her to embark on a doctorate, either in the country in which the degree was obtained or in the country in which the researcher is recruited or seconded, irrespective of whether or not a doctorate is or was ever envisaged.
3. Mobility: At the date of recruitment, the applicant must not have resided or carried out his/her main activity (work, studies etc.) in the host country for more than 12 months in the last 3 years immediately prior to his/her recruitment. Compulsory national service and/or short stays such as holidays are not considered.

Selection process 

Pre-selection will be based on CV, experience, skills and motivation letter. Short-listed candidates will be interviewed by an experienced selection committee. Applicants should hold a MSc degree (or equivalent) with good grades and good English skills. As criteria for the assessment of your qualifications, emphasis will also be laid on relevant work experience and previous publications (if any).

Additional comments 

For more information and to send your application, please follow the link of each ESR research project or contact the indicated supervisor.

Requirements 

• Master degree or equivalent according to each individual research project High proficiency in spoken and written English.
•  Networking and communication skills, to be evaluated in the interview.
•  Excellent communication, as well as organizational skills and are willing to engage an international, interdisciplinary collaborative research, workshops, and secondments. 

Candidates will be integrated into international multi-disciplinary teams. The candidate must therefore have excellent personal skills and be able to work in a team.

Job Work Location

WORK LOCATIONS

FRANCE:

• 2 positions available at CNRS – ICS, Strasbourg
• 1 position available at University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg
• 1 position available at SOPREMA, Strasbourg
• 1 position available at Specialty Operations France, Bordeaux

BELGIUM:

• 2 positions available at University of Liege, Liege

GERMANY:

• 2 positions available at Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden

• 2 positions available at Technische Universität Muenchen, Muenchen

ITALY: 

• 2 positions available at University of Bologna, Bologna

NETHERLANDS:

• 2 positions available at University of Groningen, Groningen