Master's thesis in the field of cell biology and cell analysis

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (www.fraunhofer.com) is one of the world's leading organizations for application-oriented research. 75 institutes develop pioneering technologies for our economy and society – more precisely: 32 000 people from technology, science, administration and IT. They know: Anyone who comes to Fraunhofer wants to and can make a difference. For themselves, for us and for the markets of today and tomorrow.

At the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI, we bring together the expertise of our employees to drive medical progress. Our focus is on cell and gene therapy, pharmaceuticals and vaccines, molecular and immune diagnostics, and other innovative topics. We are the professional home for scientists, engineers, laboratory technicians, and administrative staff who work together in the service of health.

Would you like to put your theoretical knowledge into practice and gain exciting insights into interdisciplinary cutting-edge research? Then you’ve come to the right place!

The Fraunhofer IZI has a branch office in Erfurt (Herman-Hollerith-Straße 3) at the Fraunhofer Center Erfurt (FZE). For this group at the FZE, we are looking for a Master's student to work on a thesis as soon as possible. The FZE develops methods for the precision analysis of cells based on principles and techniques from analytical chemistry, biotechnology and biophysics.

Be part of change

The Master's thesis is part of a project that aims to employ a multifaceted analysis of blood samples via Real-time Deformability Cytometry (RT-DC). Robust workflows for the characterization of solid blood components (e.g., erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets) in blood samples using fluorescence-assisted RT-DC measurements will be established. By developing and applying defined staining protocols, you will generate high-quality datasets that will then serve as training data for neural networks, which are being developed to allow for quick, precise and label-free classification of blood cells.

Your tasks will include:

Preparation and processing of human blood samples using standardized protocols
Performance of RT-DC measurements on blood samples with fluorescence labeling
Development of staining and analysis workflows to distinguish between different blood cells
Data analysis and curation for the training of machine learning models

What you contribute

A Bachelor’s degree (B. Sc.) in biosciences (e. g., biochemistry, biology, biotechnology, biophysics or a related field), and current enrollment in a Master's program
Practical experience with basic lab techniques (such as pipetting, preparation of buffers, etc.); experience working in a biological or chemical laboratory setting is desirable
Knowledge of data analysis and processing using common software tools
Ideally, good communication skills in both German and English
You are enthusiastic about learning new practical skills, approach unfamiliar topics with curiosity and quickly and independently delve into them through your analytical approach.
Please include a short letter of motivation with your application, explaining why you are interested in this topic for your thesis.

What we offer

With our strong links to industry, you benefit from an environment where creative research freedom meets real-world application – with tangible societal impact. You actively contribute to shaping tomorrow’s medicine and gain insights into Europe’s leading organization for applied research.
You will work as part of an international and interdisciplinary team, have access to state-of-the-art technologies for biological and biochemical analyses, and enjoy a high degree of creative freedom.
You will gain valuable hands-on experience and prepare for future roles by learning relevant scientific methods and strengthening your skills in independently planning and conducting experiments.
Throughout your time at Fraunhofer IZI, you will receive technically sound and collaborative supervision at eye level.

The duration of the project is flexible and depends on your university’s requirements and your personal schedule. Please note: We cannot offer financial compensation for thesis work. However, you can expect an exciting research topic and intensive scientific supervision.

We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications – regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. Our tasks are diverse and adaptable – for applicants with disabilities, we work together to find solutions that best promote their abilities. The same applies if they do not meet all the profile requirements due to a disability.

Ready for a change? Then apply online via our career portal now and make a difference! Once we have received your online application, you will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt. We will then get back to you as soon as possible and let you know what happens next.

Do you have questions about the position or the application process? We’re here for you:

Hendrik Reichelt
Research Group »DNA Nanostructures«
hendrik.reichelt@izi.fraunhofer.de

Dr. David Smith
Head of Research Group »DNA Nanostructures«
Email: david.smith@izi.fraunhofer.de

Lea-Sophie Fingerhut
Strategic HR Development & Recruiting
Email: bewerbung@izi.fraunhofer.de
Phone: +49 341/35536-9224

Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI

www.izi.fraunhofer.de

Requisition Number: 81399 Application Deadline:

Job Segment: Chemical Research, Cytology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Data Analyst, Engineering, Healthcare, Science, Data

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