Offer Description

Are you keen to progress glycoscience research across disciplines? Do you have research experience and/or a keen interest in developing single molecule microscopy tools to study complex protein/glycan interactions and their functional consequences? Do you want to further your career and attain a PhD in one of Austria’s leading research-intensive universities?

Applications are invited for a 36 months position as PhD Fellow to work in the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network GLYCOCALYX , öffnet eine externe URL in einem neuen Fenster

About the Network. GLYCOCALYX brings together 15 leading European partners in a transnational network, implementing a multidisciplinary and intersectorial research and training programme between the academic and industrial partners, to research the self-organisation and barrier functions of the mammalian glycocalyx.

Virtually all mammalian cells are covered with a dense and complex coat of sugar chains (glycans) known as the glycocalyx, which is essential for multicellular life. Glycocalyces accomplish critical functions in inter-cellular communication, controlling tissue development, homeostasis and repair, inflammatory and immune responses, neuronal connectivity, and symbiosis with bacteria. However, when dysregulated, they can promote immune diseases, neurodegeneration and cancer. Glycocalyces also act as the first line of defence against pathogens, but some pathogens have evolved to hijack the glycocalyx to promote infection.

Despite their importance, mammalian glycocalyces remain the ‘dark matter’ of biology, under-studied owing to the historical lack of preparative and analytical tools to probe the local molecular composition and transient interactions of molecules within glycocalyces, and missing physics rules to interpret experimental observations.

The GLYCOCALYX Network will train 15 PhD Fellows in chemistry, physics and biology methods and concepts required to resolve the dynamic organisation of glycocalyces. The project will establish a new level of understanding of how glycocalyces perform their many selective barrier functions. The PhD Fellows will receive cutting edge scientific training, alongside industry-relevant transferable skills, to equip them for careers in the medical technology sector and its underpinning research and innovations.

About the PhD Project - Imaging the dynamics and viscoelastic properties of the glycocalyx at single molecule resolution 

During their search for antigens, T-cells explore the surface of antigen-presenting cells via the tips of microvilli, before forming a 2-dimensional contact surface termed the immunological synapse. Understanding the different phases of antigen recognition structurally and functionally is the goal of the Biophysics group at TU Wien. As MSCA PhD Fellow in Vienna, you will be embedded in a lively and highly collaborative team that approaches this question from different view-points including single molecule localization microscopy (doi: 10.1038/s41590-018-0162-7), single molecule FRET (doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-22775-z) atomic force microscopy (doi: 10.3390/cells10020235) and nanotechnology (doi: 10.1073/pnas.2016857118). 

In recent years it became clear that the glycocalyx both of the antigen-presenting cell as well as the T-cell influences the dynamics and quality of the search process for antigen. However, we are far still away from developing a mechanistic picture of antigen recognition, which specifically accounts for contributions of the glycocalyx. As a first step in this project, you will quantitatively study the viscoelastic properties of the glycocalyx at the surface of T-cells and antigen-presenting cells via microrheology: By tracking single particles of different size and analysing diffusional motion, it is possible to infer elastic modulus and viscosity, as well as the apparent thickness of the glycocalyx. As the project develops, you will more and more develop an understanding of potential functional consequences, which can be tested in our T-cell activation assays established in the lab. Besides these daily contacts, you will interact and develop research collaborations with our GLYCOCALYX academic and industrial partners, öffnet eine externe URL in einem neuen Fenster, and in addition you will participate in activities of the Doctoral Network, including attending training courses and work placements at other sites.

Eligibility. To meet the requirements of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network, you will be eligible to start postgraduate studies towards your first doctoral degree (PhD), and have not lived or carried out your main activity (work/study) in Austria for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date.

There are no restrictions on nationality, but to engage in paid employment you must have the necessary right to work in Austria. This may involve obtaining an appropriate visa and TU Wien will be able to offer support and advice to the successful candidate.

Salary. The MSCA PhD Fellow living and mobility allowance is fixed at 61.385,40 € per annum (plus family allowance if applicable). This amount will be subject to tax and National Insurance deductions, and will be paid in €.

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Research Fields

• Physics / Biophysics
• Physics / Biophysics / Single Molecule Microscopy
• Physics / Condensed Matter
• Chemistry / Biochemistry
• Biology / T-cell signaling

Position

• PhD
• Temporary
• Full time (40 h/week)
• Application deadline: 30/03/2026 @ 23.59 CET

Job funding

• Horizon Europe – MSCA
• Grant Agreement number - 101227305
• Job reference – GLYCOCALYX – DC4

How to Apply

• Please send your application by email to schuetz@iap.tuwien.ac.at. Applications must be submitted by 23:59 (CET) on 30 March 2026.

Requirements

Skills/Qualifications

Applicants should have the following qualification and skills: 

• Have a Masters degree (or an equivalent level of professional qualification or experience) in Chemistry, Physics, Biomedical Engineering or a related discipline;

• Experience of undertaking academic research;

• Working experience in optical fluorescence microscopy, in biomolecular interaction analysis, in surface biofunctionalization, and/or in biochemistry;

• A keen interest in working across scientific disciplines, including physics, chemistry and biology;

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders;

• Good time management and planning skills, with a proven ability to meet tight deadlines and to manage competing demands effectively, responsibly and without close support;

• A proven ability to work well both independently and as part of a team.

Applicants my also bring the following skills (desirable yet optional):

• Training on required laboratory techniques will be provided through the GLYOCALYX network. However, a working experience in glycoscience research and/or in computer programming and/or simulations is an advantage;

• Experience in contributing to papers in internationally recognised, peer-reviewed journals or evidence of publishable research in progress;

• Experience of pursuing external funding to support research.

Specific Requirements

Applicants should meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Have a Masters degree (or an equivalent level of professional qualification or experience) in Chemistry, Physics, Biomedical Engineering or a related discipline;
• Not have a doctoral degree (e.g. PhD) already;
• Not have resided or carried out main activity (such as work or study) in Austria for more than 12 months in the last 3 years immediately prior to the recruitment date;

Excellent knowledge of the English language (spoken and written / proficiency level).

Additional Information

Benefits

The MSCA PhD Fellow will be contractually employed by the TU Wien, öffnet in einem neuen Fenster and will be covered under the social security scheme. He or she will receive a monthly Living Allowance plus a Mobility Allowance (and a Family Allowance dependent on eligibility) compliant with the applicable Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Docotral Network general conditions.

Selection Process

Application procedure:

Your application should include a letter of motivation, a curriculum vitae, the name and contact information of two references (or their letters of recommendation), and a transcript of all higher education degree courses (and degree certificates where available).

Please send your application by email to schuetz@iap.tuwien.ac.at. Applications must be submitted by 23:59 (CET) on the advertised closing date

Selection procedure:

All applications will undergo an eligibility check and short-listing. Short-listed applicants will be interviewed. All the applicants will be notified of the outcome in a timely manner, and with enough time for the appointee to take up the position.

Additional Comments

This position will be based in the Biophysics Research Unit, öffnet in einem neuen Fenster of the Institute of Applied Physics, öffnet in einem neuen Fenster at TU Wien, öffnet in einem neuen Fenster. The Biophysics Labs and offices are located at the Getreidemarkt Campus (BF building), offering state-of-the-art research facilities and an environment designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration.

MSCA Doctoral Networks. Find out more about the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, öffnet eine externe URL in einem neuen Fenster, the European Union’s flagship funding programme for doctoral education and postdoctoral training of researchers, and about MSCA Doctoral Networks, öffnet eine externe URL in einem neuen Fenster.