Do you want to combat the heavy use of pesticides in agriculture and work toward protecting the global food supply? The Marie-Sklodowska-Curie doctoral network BIOMAC-BP (Bio-Stabilized Multi-Phase Materials as Carriers for Biopesticides) sets out to address the issue of synthetic pesticide use by developing sustainable biopesticide formulations. That is, suspensions of bacteria capable of producing biopesticides that combat pests in a natural manner, whilst leaving other species unaffected. This EU funded project aligns with the Green Deal and UN Sustainable Development Goals. We bring together experts from soft-matter physics, physical chemistry, chemical engineering, microbiology, biophysics and agricultural science, to achieve our goals. Within our doctoral network, industrial and academic perspectives are combined to come to a real-world solution. 

We are recruiting 11 doctoral candidates (DC) to work on individual PhD-projects at seven research institutions and to tackle the tasks of BIOMAC-BP as a team.

Apart from their scientific qualifications as specified in the description of the individual PhD  projects, candidates have to meet the following requirements:
- They must be doctoral candidates, i.e. not already in possession of a doctoral degree and they must hold a MSc degree which qualifies them for the enrollment in a doctoral programme.
- They must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting institution for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date. 

All positions are full time and for a fixed term of 36 months. Pay will be in accordance with rules of the Horizon Europe, Work Programme 2021-2022, 2. Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions and national tax and social security regulations applicable at the recruiting institution. 

Applications should be sent to the job portal indicated or by e-mail to the contact persons listed in the description of the individual doctoral projects which are given in the following:

DC1:Design of two phase Materials for Bacterial-Based Sustainable Biopesticide Delivery Systems  
Recruiting institution: Soft Matter Science and Engineering, ESPCI Paris, France 
Job description: The PhD project will aim to design biocompatible and biodegradable two phase systems containing bacteria, that are aqueous foams and water-in-water emulsions, which are obtained by the phase separation of two polymer solutions. Using such all-aqueous dispersed media should enhance the transfer within them of species which are necessary to the survival of the bacteria such as oxygen or nutrients (sugars etc). The DC will cultivate the targeted bacteria and determine the formulations in which they survive the best. Additionally, they will study the conditions in which the bubbles or droplets are stable over time, whether the adsorption of the bacteria at the interface can be obtained and whether it improves the stability of the materials. 
Profile: Ideal candidates hold an MSc degree either in physics, chemical or materials engineering, materials science, or a related discipline and have a background in soft matter, physical chemistry, chemical or material engineering, or related fields. Experience in microbiology or biophysics is beneficial. Additionally, they should be fluent in English. Knowing some French is beneficial. We are looking for enthusiastic students attracted by multidisciplinarity with scientific curiosity and motivated by experiments.
Further details: https://www.simm.espci.fr/PhD-Position-in-Design-of-two-phase-Materials-for-Bacterial-Based-Sustainable.html
Contacts: Cecile.Monteux (Cecile.Monteux@espci.fr),  Théo Merland (theo.merland@espci.psl.eu) , Florence Elias (florence.elias@espci.fr)

DC2: Encapsulation and Growing of Bacteria in Polysaccharide-Stabilized Multiphase Materials 
Recruiting institution:  Sustainable Material Lab, KU Leuven,  Belgium
Job description: This PhD project will create a technology platform of coatable and sprayable multiphase materials in which bacteria are incorporated, where bacterial growth and the production of useful bacterial compounds can be regulated, and where the release of these compounds to the environment is controlled. Multiphase emulsions and bijels will be stabilised by polysaccharide particles such as cellulose (rods) and starch (platelets) nanocrystals, providing biphasic systems with high internal interfaces. Bacterial viability and cell growth will be monitored as well as production and release of antibacterial compounds produced by the encapsulated bacteria. Finally, stability of the obtained active multiphase materials during coating, drying, and spraying applications will be investigated as function of external conditions (temperature, shear, pressure,…). 
Profile: We seek an enthusiastic researcher with a Master in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering/Materials Science/Physics or related field with a proven experience in emulsion and bijel technology and rheological characterization. Established knowledge of standard and advanced rheological characterization techniques as well as relevant chemical and physical characterization techniques (SAXS, DSC, optical polarized light microscope) is a plus. 
Further details: https://kulak.kuleuven.be/nl/onderzoek/Onderzoeksdomeinen/SusMat/Vacancies/PhDEncapulationAndGrowth
Contact: Wim Thielemans (wim.thielemans@kuleuven.be)

DC3 Emulsifying/foaming cellulose microfibrils - prebiotics based hybrid gels as bacterial carriers
Recruiting institution:  Unilever Innovation Centre Wageningen, Wageningen, The Netherlands
Job description: Develop a novel class of hybrid biobased gels based on cellulose microfibrils and pre-biotics to boost bacterial vitality and survival, such as oligosaccharide carbohydrates, as a carrier that allow aeration, emulsification and spraying to powder. We will study the ability to foam and emulsion these systems, their microstructure, mechanical properties and stability. The ability to be sprayed will be tested with lab spry drying machine. Critical challenge is the ability to oligosaccharide carbohydrates to interact with the CMFs though multiple hydrogen bonds and strongly impact the stability and microstructure of the gels. We need to understand and control these interactions in order to enable efficient foaming and emulsification properties to generate two‐phase high interface soft materials. The structure, dynamics and rheology of aerated/emulsified MFC-prebiotics will be studied in relation to the properties and microstructure of the continuous phase
Profile: The candidate should hold a Master’s degree in Physics, Physical-Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field and have a good background in Soft Matter Science. Prior knowledge of scattering and rheology and/or computer simulations will be a good asset. A proven affinity or experience in using characterization methods (CSLM, TEM, SEM), mechanical characterization, rheological and scattering (SLS, DLS, SAXS) experimental techniques for characterization of dispersion based soft condensed systems speaks strongly in your favour. Modelling expertise using Phyton, Matlab is an advantage. We seek a self-motivated, curious and pro-active candidate with excellent communicative and organizational skills. Fluent in spoken and written English (IELTS min. 7 or TOEFL internet-based min. 90 or similar level as determined by other tests).
Further details:  Please send your application to Krassimir Velikov (Krassimir.Velikov@unilever.com) and attach a letter of motivation describing research career goals, skills and experience, curriculum vitae, list of academic subjects and grades at the master level, and full contact details of two referees. Equal consideration will be given to female or male applicants
Contact: Krassimir Velikov (Krassimir.Velikov@unilever.com)

DC4:Structure, dynamics and rheology of biobased emulsion and foams, and relevance for the viability of inserted microbes.  
Recruiting institution: Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, Institute for Electronic Structure and Laser (FORTH-IESL), Heraklion, Greece
Job description: Suitable rheological properties are essential for successful formulations. Their relations with the composition and preparation protocols are often not straightforward. In this experimental PhD project, we aim to characterize the rheological properties and the microscopic structure of the multiphase materials (foam and emulsions stabilized by bio-sourced components such like cellulose or starch nanocrystals). Several experimental techniques like rheometry, scattering, microscopies will be combined to reveal the influence. The influence of microbes load on those properties will also be investigated in collaboration with UOC microbiologists. Systems and preparation protocols will be selected in close collaboration with partners (KUL and ETHZ). The candidate will be hosted in the Colloid and Polymer Science group in FORTH-IESL, Heraklion, Greece.
Profile: The Candidate should hold a degree in Material Science Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engennering or related fields at the start at recruitment time. Some pre-knowledge of soft matter, rheology, scattering will be assets, as well as interest in collaborating with local microbiologists.
Further details: Job openings | IESL-FORTH, BIOAMAC position 
Contact: Benoit Loppinet (benoit@iesl.forth.gr) 

DC5:The influence of solid surfaces on the structure and dynamics of bio-pesticide formulations
Recruiting institution: Institute for Bio-Macromolecular Systems and Processes (IBI-4), Forschungszentrum Juelich, Germany 
Job description: It is of outmost importance to understand the structure and dynamics formulations and their constituents in the proximity of solid surfaces since they are forced through narrow pipes and nozzles during spray deposition. To this end, you will

• experimentally characterize formulations at rest and under shear, by means of scattering techniques with standard and with evanescent illumination and with confocal laser scanning microscopy,
• measure the static interaction potentials between formulation constituents with solid surfaces using total internal reflection microscopy, 
• analyze and interpret your experimental results and publish them in international peer reviewed journals and on conferences.

The outcome of your work will be combined with the results of your peers in the doctoral network to improve the performance of bio-pesticide formulations.
Profile: Ideal candidates hold a M.Sc. degree for not longer than three years in physics, physical chemistry, chemical engineering or a related field with a specialization in soft matter science. Further, 

• You have some experience in scientific programming. Experimental experience with light scattering and/or microscopy is not mandatory, but would be very helpful.
• You speak and write proficiently in English, are communicative, enjoy working in a team and like to travel.
• You have good organizational skills and the ability to work independently

Further details: https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/careers/jobs/2024D-097
Contact: Peter Lang (p.lang@fz-juelich.de)

DC6: Motile bacteria at interfaces
Recruiting institution: PMMH-ESPCI, PSL, Paris, France 
Job description: This experimental PhD project focuses on investigating interfacial processes in suspensions of motile bacteria, which play a key role in encapsulation, aerosol formation, and drying processes. The candidate's tasks include visualizing microorganisms in controlled environments using microfabricated channels, developing Lagrangian techniques to monitor swimmer kinematics, and studying collective bacterial effects. This research will contribute to simulations, enhancing understanding of gas exchanges, surfactant production, and interfacial dynamics, with expected outcomes in flow quantification, test standardization, and aerosol assessment.
Profile: Ideal candidates hold a MSc degree in physics, (Chemical or materials) engineering, material science, or a related discipline and have a background in soft matter, physical chemistry, chemical or material engineering, or related fields. Experience in microbiology or biophysics is beneficial. Additionally, they are fluent in English (oral and written). They show enthusiasm for carrying out experimental work and conducting original research.
Furhter details: https://www.espci.psl.eu/fr/espci-paris-psl/emploi/2024/thesard-e-en-matiere-active-h-f
Contacts: Eric Clement (eric.clement@upmc.fr) and Anke Lindner (anke.lindner@espci.fr)

DC7: Numerical simulation of bijel formation, stability and rheology
Recruiting institution: Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg for Renewable Energy, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Erlangen, Germany
Job description: This computational doctoral project focuses on a theoretical understanding of emulsions stabilized by colloidal particles. Mesoscale simulation methods combining a lattice Boltzmann solver for the involved fluids and a Discrete Element solver for the suspended colloidal particles shall be developed and applied on state-of-the-art supercomputers. These simulations will be combined with systematic coarse-graining in order to be able to resolve the dynamics and stability of bijels on all relevant timescales. We aim to understand how these emulsions form and which physical effects influence their stability and rheology. With the overall goal to use particle-stabilized emulsions as biopesticides, the candidate shall perform simulations of nutrient transport and the growth of bacteria in numerically optimized emulsion systems. Throughout the project, a close collaboration with experimental and theoretical partners in the consortium will allow for the development of improved models and experimental validation.
Profile: Eligible candidates should hold an MSc degree in physics, chemistry, material science or chemical engineering, or a related discipline. They should have a background in soft matter, statistical physics and physical chemistry. Programming experience and a strong interest in high-performance computing are beneficial. Additionally, candidates need to be fluent in English, both oral and written. They should show enthusiasm for conducting original theoretical research in an interdisciplinary and international team, striving for scientific excellence. 
Further Details: https://www.hi-ern.de/de/karriere/stellenangebote/2024D-103 or https://www.fz-juelich.de/de/karriere/stellenangebote/2024D-103
Contact: Jens Harting (j.harting@fz-juelich.de)
 

DC8:Numerical simulations of active particles in foam-like confinements
Recruiting institution: Theoretical Physics of Living Matter (IAS-2) Forschungszentrum Juelich, Germany
Job description: The aim is to characterize the behaviour of microorganisms with motion restricted into complex environments such as bi-continuous surfaces, draining or sprayed foams. Models details are to be developed in close cooperation with the experimental partners to closely reproduce the properties of specific microorganisms. Your tasks will include :    

• Familiarize with active matter general behaviour and acquire specific knowledge of interaction with confining boundaries  
• Model development mimicking actual applications such as bacteria encapsulation or spraying conditions
• Code development and testing in C, C++, LAMMPS, Open MPI, and/or CUDA    
• Analyze and interpret the results and design of further computing experiments    
• Publish research in high-impact journals and present at leading international conferences

Profile: 

• Eligible candidates should hold an MSc degree in physics, chemistry, material science or a related discipline and have a background in soft matter, statistical physics and physical chemistry.
• They have both interest and experience in scientific programming 
• Additionally, they need to be fluent in English, both oral and written
• They show enthusiasm for conducting original research in an interdisciplinary and international team, and you strive for scientific excellence

Further details: https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/careers/jobs/2024D-100
Contact: Marisol Ripoll (m.ripoll@fz-juelich.de)

DC9: Modeling of Growth of Encapsulated Bacteria in Polysaccharide-Stabilized Multiphase Materials 
Recruiting institution:  Sustainable Material Lab, KU Leuven, Belgium
Job description: The primary objective of this PhD is to develop an analytic and computational understanding of the mechanisms by which bacterial colonies invade and thrive in complex geometric confinements, such as found in Pickering-Ramsden systems, i.e. particle-stabilized emulsions and bijels. A numerical code will be developed in collaboration with Joost De Graaf (University of Utrecht), extending the lattice-growth method to enable the study of colony proliferation in multiphase systems via growth and motility. Here, local nutrient concentration, flow, interfacial effects, and osmotic contributions will be incorporated, all of which are strongly affected by the complex geometry and boundary conditions. In collaboration with Marisol Ripoll (Forschungszentrum Jülich), we will adapt models to bijels. Proliferation model predictions will be compared to experimental results obtained by other PhD students at KU Leuven and ETH Zürich. During the PhD project the successful candidate will be seconded to the University of Utrecht for an extended period of time.
Profile: We seek an enthusiastic researcher with a Master in Physics, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering or related field with a proven experience in C or C++ programming, or equivalent language, in addition to Python. Established knowledge in statistical mechanics, numerical modelling, and/or fluid dynamics is a plus.
Further details: https://kulak.kuleuven.be/nl/onderzoek/Onderzoeksdomeinen/SusMat/Vacancies/PhDModelingBacterialGrowth
Contacts: Wim Thielemans (wim.thielemans@kuleuven.be), Joost de Graaf (j.degraaf@uu.nl)

DC10 Use of beneficial microbes as environmentally-friendly microbial bio-pesticide
Recruiting institution:  Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
Job description: The doctoral project will encompasscultivation, screening and characterization of beneficial microbes from the institute's in-house collection (Sarris Lab Biobank) for the identification of new microbial isolates with anti-fungal and/or antibacterial and/or insecticide effect, that could be used as an alternative to chemical pesticides  of agricultural interest for tackling pathogenic microbes and/ insects. The project will also include: 1) study of the molecular cross-talk between beneficial microbes and the plants for the elucidation of the effect microbes have on plant innate immunity system, 2) microbial screenings for the improvement of microorganism-based formulations for bio-pesticides. Optimization will include vitality screenings of the selected microorganisms in different embedding agents and formulations, testing different concentrations of live microorganisms and culture supernatants (extracts), as well as combinations of beneficial microbes (artificial microbial consortia) for targeting more than one pest. Assays for antifungal, antibacterial and insecticides product development will include shelf-life (time and abiotic condition) and potency of different formulations. 
Profile: The ideal candidate will hold a MSc degree in biology, biochemistry or a related field with a focus on microbiology. Additionally, they need to be fluent in English, both oral and written. They show enthusiasm for conducting original research in an interdisciplinary and international team and strive for scientific excellence. 
Further details: Please apply via e-mail to Panagiotis F. Sarris 
Contacts: Panagiotis F. Sarris (p.sarris@imbb.forth.gr)

DC11 Interaction of microorganism and polysaccharide and its application in agricultural biocontrol
Recruiting institution:  Syensqo, Agro Lab department, R&I Syensqo Paris Campus, France. The project will be implemented in close collaboration with PMMH-ESPCI, PSL, Paris, France 
Job description: The project will investigate the interactions between microorganisms and polysaccharides under various conditions. The study focuses on enhancing the viability and retention of microbial biopesticides, like Bacillus thuringiensis, when formulated with polysaccharides such as guar gum. The candidate will analyze these systems during formulation, dilution, and drying, and characterize them on model and real-plant surfaces. The research includes examining dried films, simulating natural rinsing, and assessing mechanical and physico-chemical changes. The goal is to correlate these changes with bio-efficacy retention, guiding the development of improved microbial biopesticide formulations.
Profile: Ideal candidates hold an MSc degree  in soft matter, physical chemistry, chemical or material engineering, or related fields, physics, material science. Experience in microbiology or biophysics is beneficial. Additionally, they are fluent in English (oral and written). Formal knowledge of French is appreciated but not mandatory. They show enthusiasm for conducting original research in an interdisciplinary team and are highly connected to industrial applications, and strive for scientific excellence. 
Further details: Please apply though  https://www.syensqo.com/en/career/job-opportunities or by e-mail to Céline Orizet 
Contacts: Céline Orizet (celine.orizet@syensqo.com), Izell Jonker   izell.jonker-ext@syensqo.com