ERC Advanced Grant: ProtoEco

Protoecologies between Artificial Cells and Mammalian Cells

We are going to assemble a team of PhD and Postdoctoral Researchers for the ERC AdG starting in Nov. 2026 (starting times are flexible)

Project Background

The Walther Lab at JGU Mainz pioneers life-like materials and systems at the interface of systems chemistry, chemical reaction networks, DNA nanoscience, artificial cells, polymer materials, and cell-facing biomaterials. We are interested in empowering molecular systems, materials, and artificial cells with embodied intelligence — chemical and physical — so that they can compute, adapt, self-regulate, or make simple decisions.

With the new ERC Advanced Grant project ProtoEco – Protoecologies between Artificial Cells and Mammalian Cells, we aim to pioneer a new generation of interactive communities between life-like artificial and living matter. The central question is whether life-like artificial/synthetic cells can coexist, communicate, and cooperate with mammalian cells in structured 2D and 3D environments.

Instead of treating artificial/synthetic cells as isolated mimics of life, ProtoEco will develop biohybrid micro-communities that exchange metabolites, energy, and signals. We aim to understand how such synthetic–living communities can give rise to emergent, adaptive, collective, and potentially homeostatic properties, and how these concepts may open new directions in intelligent biomaterials, tissue engineering, and adaptive therapeutic systems.

Research Directions

We are looking for excellent PhD researchers and postdoctoral researchers who want to contribute to one or more of the following research directions.

1. Polymer-based artificial cells, biointeractive materials, and metabolic coupling
We will develop soft polymer capsules and microgel artificial-cell platforms with tunable mechanics, permeability, responsiveness, and biointerface properties. By integrating enzymatic reaction networks, metabolic modules, and homeostatic feedback systems, we will establish synthetic cross-feeding and metabolic interactions with mammalian cells.

Possible project elements include:

Microfluidic synthesis of polymer capsules and microgels
Encapsulation of enzymatic reaction networks, metabolic modules, or pH-feedback systems
Tuning the mechanics, permeability, and responsiveness of artificial cells
Quantification of metabolic exchange and synthetic cross-feeding
Construction of metabolic interaction maps with mammalian cells

2. DNA-based artificial cells and molecular computing
We will engineer DNA-based artificial cells and condensates that can sense, process, and respond to molecular signals. These systems provide a powerful platform for DNA computing and programmable signal processing.

Possible project elements include:

Preparation and functionalization of DNA-based artificial cells
Design of DNA computing circuits
Integration of molecular logic gates into artificial cell compartments
Protein, cytokine, or metabolite sensing
Development of signal-processing artificial cells that communicate with living cells

3. Artificial-cell/mammalian-cell interfaces and biomaterials concepts
ProtoEco will combine artificial and mammalian cells in structured 2D landscapes, co-spheroids, and tissue-like assemblies to determine how spatial organization, cell–material interactions, mechanics, and molecular communication shape emergent behavior.

Possible project elements include:

Mammalian cell culture and artificial cell / cell co-culture
Assembly of artificial cell / mammalian cell co-spheroids
Lithographic or colloidal approaches to 2D and 3D organization
Quantitative fluorescence and confocal microscopy
Image analysis of spatial organization, viability, signaling, and dynamics
Development of structure–function–behavior maps for biohybrid communities

4. Therapies and applications: Adaptive and homeostatic signaling concepts
We will develop artificial cells that sense disease-relevant signals and generate regulated outputs, with a long-term focus on adaptive responses in tumor-microenvironment models and immunotherapy.

Possible project elements include:

Artificial cells that process cytokine signals or re-establish tissue homeostasis
Synthetic signaling hubs for tumor-microenvironment models
Reporter cell assays and quantitative microscopy and cell biology

Projects may emphasize chemistry, materials, DNA, cell interfaces, or biology. We welcome interdisciplinary researchers motivated by ambitious, high-risk, high-gain science.

Candidate Profile
We are looking for highly motivated researchers with strong training in one or more of the following areas:

Chemistry (e.g. polymer chemistry, systems chemistry, chemical biology, biochemistry)
Synthetic biology
Biomaterials, Biotechnology, Biophysics
Bioengineering, cell biology, molecular biology

Ideal candidates have performed at the top of their study programs and combine scientific curiosity, quantitative thinking, and interdisciplinary teamwork. Relevant experience may include artificial cells, DNA nanotechnology, reaction networks, microfluidics, cell culture, biomaterials, or image analysis.

We expect excellent English skills, an independent and self-responsible work ethic, and genuine curiosity for complex interdisciplinary research. Postdoctoral applicants should have a strong publication record and the independence, creativity, and rigor to lead an ambitious research direction. Cover letters should explain your fit with ProtoEco and contribution to its high-risk, high-gain goals.

We Offer

A collaborative, international, and interdisciplinary team working on an ambitious ERC-funded topic offering excellent skills development and publication opportunities
Excellent state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure with access to advanced analytical, imaging, materials, and cell-culture facilities
Close supervision and strong support for scientific development
Opportunities to develop your own ideas within the broader ProtoEco framework
A stimulating research environment with national and international collaboration opportunities
Support for conferences, workshops, networking, and career development
Possible association with the Max Planck Graduate Center for excellent PhD candidates

Application

Please send your application as a single PDF file including:

Letter of motivation, including a short summary of your past research experience and research interests
Curriculum vitae
Transcript of records for Bachelor’s and Master’s studies
For PhD applicants: a meaningful summary of your Master’s thesis
For postdocs: a brief overview of key achievements and future interests, explaining your fit with ProtoEco
List of publications, if applicable
Contact details for two referees

Please send applications to: walther-application@uni-mainz.de

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled; the first team members will be recruited by the end of November.

Positions are paid according to the German public salary scale with full social benefits.

We look forward to receiving your application and to building the next generation of artificial–living protoecologies together.

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Link to Research Interests