PhD Candidate in Physics

Masaryk University

About this position:

We're excited to announce an open PhD student position in Robert Vacha's Research Group!

With nearly 10 million lives claimed annually, cancer remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for more effective treatments. One promising strategy involves mRNA-based cancer immunotherapy vaccines, which require a drug delivery system capable of reliably reaching the cytosol. Developing such delivery systems is challenging: they must ensure cytosolic delivery and therapeutic efficacy while maintaining safety, long-term stability, and compliance with scalable manufacturing standards—including high mRNA loading efficiency and uniform particle size. Current lipid- and polymer-based systems offer distinct advantages, but integrating lessons from both may help develop more effective next-generation carriers. A major limitation remains the incomplete understanding of nanoparticle assembly and disassembly under diverse physiological conditions (e.g., extracellular fluids, endosomal compartments, cytosol).

This project will use coarse-grained molecular simulations, complemented by in-house experimental validation, to gain molecular insights in the controlled system assembly and disassembly. Our goal is to guide the rational design of improved mRNA delivery systems to advance the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy.

The ideal candidate profile:

Must-have:

• Degree in the fields of biophysics, soft matter physics, physical chemistry, computational chemistry, statistical mechanics, or related fields
• Good English language – spoken and written

Nice-to-have:

• Experience with molecular dynamics simulations (with GROMACS, OPENMM, LAMMPS, NAMD, AMBER, etc.) at the atomistic or coarse-grained level would are advantageous.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Motivation and a collaborative mindset

What we provide to you:

• Open access to CEITEC MU core facilities with state-of-the-art equipment and experienced staff
• Full-time contract
• An attractive salary (the group is supported by prestigious funding, including ERCs)
• Flexible working hours
• Support for further education and professional development
• Benefits package: 6 weeks of paid holiday, medical insurance, financial contribution to meal and kindergarten/pension scheme, Multisport card, mental health care, sports lessons directly at the campus
• Kindergarten Elánek in Campus
• Support in these areas:
  • Welcome Office service before and after arrival
  • Grant Office support
  • Postdoc Peer Committee
  • CEITEC events – workshops, conferences, lectures, training, family gathering etc.

How to apply?

Application deadline: 31.12.2025

Start date: by negotiation

Applications, including a CV, motivation letter, list of publications, and contacts for at least two references should be sent via e-application.

Any troubles with the e-application, please contact Petra Linhartova (petra.linhartova@ceitec.muni.cz)

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