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

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. Supervisor: Prof. Stefan Diez, Stefan.diez@tu-dresden.de
• DC3: Autonomous Brownian Rotors Based on DNA Origami – Technische Universität Muenchen
• DC4: Controlling Reactions with Electrically Driven DNA Machines – Technische Universität Muenchen. Supervisor: Prof. Friedrich Simmel, simmel@tum.de
• DC5: Polymeric Materials for Non-Equilibrium Photo- and Electro-Mechanical Actuation – University of Bologna
• DC6: Geared Movements in Mechanically Interlocked Systems – University of Bologna. Supervisor: Prof. Alberto Credi, alberto.credi@unibo.it
• 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. Supervisor: Prof Anne-Sophie Duwez, asduwez@uliege.be
• DC9: Study of Dynamic Covalent Molecular Motors at Surfaces and in Confined Spaces – University of Strasbourg. Supervisor: Prof. Jean-Marie Lehn
• DC10: Molecular Muscles and Actuating Materials – University of Groningen
• DC11: Cooperative Effects of Molecular Motors – University of Groningen. Supervisor: Prof. Ben L. Feringa, b.l.feringa@rug.nl
• DC12: Motorised Hydrogels – National Research Scientific Council (CNRS) Strasbourg
• DC13: Effect of Twisting Work in Dynamic Combinatorial Systems – National Research Scientific Council (CNRS) Strasbourg. Supervisor: Prof. Nicolas Giuseppone, giuseppone@unistra.fr
• DC14: Application of Switchable and Motorized Hydrogels for the Design of Light-Modulable Membranes – Specialty Operations France, Bordeaux. Supervisor: Jean-Baptiste Salmon, jean-baptiste.salmon-exterieur@syensqo.com
• DC15: Using Mechanical Bonds to Make Long-Life PVC Materials – SOPREMA, Strasbourg. Supervisor: Remi Perrin, rperrin@soprema.fr

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. 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.

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.

Requirements: Master degree or equivalent according to each individual research project. High proficiency in spoken and written English. Networking and communication skills. 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.