Research Assistant (PhD candidate) (m/f/d) with a focus on "Systems biology analysis of fungal intra-species diversity for the optimisation of mycelium-bound biomaterials"

13.01.2026, Wissenschaftliches Personal

About the project
The research topic lies within the interdisciplinary field of biotechnologically produced, fungal-based biomaterials,
embedded in the MY-CO BUILD Collaborative Research Centre (SFB1743). The project will analyse the genetic and
morphological intra-species diversity of Fomes fomentarius using a systems biology approach and with a focus on
wood as substrate. The candidate will collaborate closely with CRC project partners across Germany to develop and
apply multi-omics approaches and to investigate targeted methods for optimizing biomaterial properties.

Tasks
• Develop and produce fungal composites using wood-based substrates and characterize material properties (mechanical,
physical, thermal) in collaboration with project partners
• Conduct biodiversity screening of F. fomentarius: isolate, cultivate, and analyze strains physiologically and morphologically
(incl. field work)
• Perform molecular analyses (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics) to uncover structure–function relationships
• Integrate experimental data to optimize material properties
• Disseminating your project results to the public via peer-reviewed publications and talks on ntl./intl. conferences
• Participation in teaching and student supervision

Requirements / Your Profile
• Above average university degree (MSc., Dipl. (Univ.)) in biology, biotechnology, or similar
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work independently while being motivated to perform as an active
part of an interdisciplinary team and project group
• Experience with mycological methods and Omics techniques preferable (particularly proteomics)
• Good command of German and/or English required; willingness to learn either English or German is expected

We are offering
• A highly interdisciplinary research opportunity at the interface of biotechnology & material science with access to
state-of-the-art analytics (LC-MS/MS, μCT, SEM)
• A 3.75-year contract (suitable for pursuing a doctorate); Start Date: 01.04.2026
• Membership in the TUM-Graduate School and the internal research training group (IRTG) of the SFB
• Remuneration is based on qualifications according to TV-L (German Collective Agreement for Public Services)
• Preference will be given to disabled candidates with essentially the same qualifications
• TUM explicitly encourages applications from women (Art. 7 para. 3 BayGlG)
Application / Contact
Send applications including supporting documentation in GER or EN (letter of motivation, CV, certificates, credentials) until January 23rd of 2026 at the latest to the following address (preferred by email as a single pdf-file):

Technical University of Munich
TUM School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan
Professorship for Fungal Biotechnology in Wood Science
Prof. Dr. J. Philipp Benz / Dr. Tian Cheng
Hans-Carl-von-Carlowitz-Platz 2, 85354 Freising, GER
Phone: +49-8161-71-4590
email: benz@hfm.tum.de & tian.cheng@tum.de
Homepage: https://www.lse.ls.tum.de/en/fungbio/home/

Kontakt: benz@hfm.tum.de, tian.cheng@tum.de