Career at CeNS

Prof. Dr. Claudia Veigel, Cellular Physiology, Biomedical Centre, LMU Munich

The large family of myosin motor proteins fulfills a myriad of tasks in mammalian health and disease, including in cancers and neuro-degenerative diseases. These tasks range from muscle contraction to intracellular membrane trafficking and sensory functions in mammalian hearing. Understanding their specific functions in the cell requires in vitro model systems to be established at the single molecule level. The aim of this PhD thesis is to investigate the interactions of the motor proteins with their cargo membranes on reconstituted, cell-like reaction platforms, including DNA-origami technology, cryoelectronmicroscopy, and optics-based techniques at nanometer and millisecond resolution.

The following techniques will be used:
• Single molecule structural studies using cryo-electron microscopy
• High-resolution single molecule, optical tweezers-based mechanical studies
• Interferometric scattering microscopy
• Fluorescence microscopy techniques including confocal, TIRF, FRAP, super-resolution STORM
Molecular biology and biochemical techniques.

Requirements: Master’s degree in Physics, Biophysics, Biochemistry, Biotechnology

Salary: 75% TV-L E13, up to 48 months

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Prof. Karen Alim, School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich

Learning is a key advantage to survive in changing environments both for animals and single-celled organisms. The single-celled slime mould Physarum polycephalum learns environmental stimuli, yet how information is stored and retrieved to gain an advantage in behaviour is unclear. You will employ numerical simulations and theoretical model to investigate if stimuli imprint mechanical changes on Physarum's network-shaped body and thereby imprint the past in the persistence of its dynamic state.

Requirements: As a suitable candidate, you have an outstanding Master's degree or comparable degree in biology, physics, applied mathematics or related disciplines. You have knowledge in quantitative biology, soft matter/complex systems physics or statistical physics. You enjoy working in interdisciplinary and international teams and have programming skills. In addition, you are able to express yourself confidently both orally and in writing in English.

Salary: TV-L E13 75%

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Prof. Tim Liedl, LMU Faculty of Physics

This PhD project explores the reconstructability and scalability of DNA-based nano-opto-mechanical (NOM) systems, aiming to create nanodevices that are not only functional but also reconfigurable and recyclable. The work will develop open-source design tools and pioneer in-situ retuning and full disassembly methods for nanoscale machines. By demonstrating sustainable fabrication, repair, and reuse cycles at the molecular level, this research will lay the groundwork for circular nanotechnologies within the ERC Synergy scheme DNA for Reconfigurable Nano-Opto-Mechanical Systems, DNA4RENOMS.

Requirements: Master's degree in physics, (bio)chemistry, material sciences, mechanical or electrical engineering

Salary: 75% TV-L E13, 36 months

Earliest entry date: June 1, 2026

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PD Dr. Markus Lackinger, Deutsches Museum in collaboration with TUM School of Natural Sciences

On-Surface Synthesis uses approaches from Surface Science for the chemical synthesis of organic nanostructures on solid surfaces. The synthetic targets are low-dimensional carbon nanostructures, such as graphene nanoribbons and 2D polymers. Normally, coupling is initiated by heating molecular precursors on chemically active metal surfaces, which are, however, detrimental to applications. The project aim is to develop novel protocols for direct synthesis on inert surfaces, such as the deposition of polyradicals. These preparation techniques differ significantly from classical wet chemistry, relying instead on physical vacuum deposition. The structures will be characterised using low-temperature Scanning Tunneling Microscopy in Ultra-High Vacuum.

Requirements: M.Sc. in physics, chemistry or materials science and a keen interest in working with Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) in Ultra-High Vacuum (UHV) and complementary surface science techniques.

Position/Salary: 50% TV-L E13

Length of contract: 3 years (with a possible 1 year extension)

Earliest entry date: May or June 1, 2026

Prof. Tim Liedl, LMU Faculty of Physics

This project focuses on creating nano-opto-mechanical (NOMS) components to enable precise control and modelling of DNA–nanoparticle assemblies. The research will involve characterising key mechanical parameters of the DNA structures such as particle coupling, force generation, and hinge bending moduli using techniques like TEM, AFM, and optical microscopy. The project aims to establish a robust framework for designing and tuning responsive nanomechanical devices used within the ERC Synergy scheme DNA for Reconfigurable Nano-Opto-Mechanical Systems, DNA4RENOMS.

Requirements: Background in physics, (bio)chemistry, material sciences, mechanical or electrical engineering

Contract: 100% TV-L E 13, 2 years +

Earliest entry date: June 1, 2026

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Prof. Tim Liedl, LMU Faculty of Physics

This project project will develop strategies for programmable DNA origami tiling and opto-mechanical metasurfaces that combine self-assembly with precise optical functionality. The work will explore how DNA-based tiles can be arranged and actuated to form tunable metapixels, enabling dynamic control of light at the nanoscale. This project will integrate algorithmic self-assembly and nanomechanical switching to create energy-efficient applications within the ERC Synergy scheme DNA for Reconfigurable Nano-Opto-Mechanical Systems, DNA4RENOMS.

Requirements: Background in physics, (bio)chemistry, material sciences, mechanical or electrical engineering

Contract: 100% TV-L E 13, 2 years +

Earliest entry date: June 1, 2026

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Prof. Tim Liedl, LMU Faculty of Physics

Within this project you will design and characterise bistable DNA origami nanostructures capable of controllable mechanical switching in combination with optical actuation and readout. By engineering nanoscale beams and integrating actuators, the work will explore how DNA-based tiles can buckle between defined mechanical states and how these transitions can be detected via plasmonic and optical coupling. The project aims to establish reconfigurable nano- and opto-mechanical devices with ultra-sensitive, fast, and low-energy optical control within the ERC Synergy scheme DNA for Reconfigurable Nano-Opto-Mechanical Systems, DNA4RENOMS.

Requirements: Background in physics, (bio)chemistry, material sciences, mechanical or electrical engineering

Contract: 100% TV-L E 13, 2 years +

Earliest entry date: June 1, 2026

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PD Dr. Markus Lackinger, Deutsches Museum in collaboration with TUM School of Natural Sciences

The project aims to advance the synthesis of 2D polymers by topochemical photopolymerization on solid surfaces and to explore the underlying fundamentals. Preparation and characterization will be carried out in Ultra-High Vacuum using established Surface Science approaches and analytical tools, in particular Scanning Tunneling Microscopy. The research agenda includes exploring and exploiting the influence of photoexcitable surfaces, extending this approach to new monomers, and nanopatterning by local plasmon-driven polymerization. Finally, synthetic protocols will be developed and evaluated to increase the lateral extent of single crystalline 2D polymers, with the aim of characterizing these materials as ultimately thin membranes with atomically defined pores.

Requirements: PhD in Surface Science; both Ultra-High Vacuum (UHV) and Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) experience are mandatory

Contract: 100% TV-L E 13, 2 years (with a possible 1 year extension)

Earliest entry date: May 1, 2026

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