Master's Thesis in the Field of Molecular Diagnostics for Cervical Cancer Prevention

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (www.fraunhofer.com) currently operates 76 institutes and research units throughout Germany and is a leading applied research organization. Around 32 000 employees work with an annual research budget of 3.4 billion euros.

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.

Are you looking for an exciting master’s thesis topic at the interface of molecular biology, medical technology, and sustainability? Then join our team!

What you will do

For our interdisciplinary research group »MicroDiagnostics« at our Leipzig site, we are looking for a master’s student starting in September. As part of the MIRA project, you will support the start-up Intu Diagnostics with your thesis by helping to develop a sustainable, user-friendly molecular diagnostic test system for the early detection of cervical cancer. You can look forward to the following tasks:

Development and optimization of molecular biological assays (e.g., LAMP, qPCR)
Establishment and use of cell culture models
Sample preparation (e.g., cell lysis, adaptation to amplification methods, as well as quantification of DNA, Cq values, and cell counts)
Integration of the detection assay into microfluidic chips, for example through lyophilization
Fabrication of microfluidic systems using 3D printing
Presentation of your work results and progress in regular team meetings

What you bring to the table

Enrollment in a master’s program in life sciences, biotechnology, biomedicine, or a related field
Initial experience with cell culture techniques and molecular biology methods (e.g., qPCR, LAMP)
Good command of English, as the working language in the lab is partly English
You approach new challenges with curiosity and a solution-oriented mindset, are characterized by your independent and precise working style, and enjoy working in a team.

What you can expect

Thanks to our close ties with industry, we combine creative research freedom with real value creation — and all of this with tangible societal impact. Through your commitment, you will help shape the medicine of tomorrow and gain fascinating insights into Europe’s leading organization for applied research.
You will be part of an interdisciplinary and international team that values you as an equal and encourages you to contribute your own ideas. You will gain valuable preparation for future professional roles by applying a wide range of scientific techniques and expanding your skills in independently planning experimental work.
You will gain insight into start-up structures and translational development projects and actively contribute to shaping an innovative diagnostic product.
Cutting-edge research is only possible with cutting-edge equipment: On a total of nearly 8,000 m² of modern, well-equipped laboratory space, we offer you everything a researcher could wish for.
With flexible hours that fit your studies, we enable you to manage your time freely and independently.

Please note: We cannot offer remuneration for the writing of theses. However, you can expect an exciting research topic and intensive professional 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.

Interested? Apply online via our career portal now. We look forward to getting to know you!

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

Lea-Sophie Fingerhut
Strategic Personnel 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: 80459 Application Deadline:

Job Segment: Biology, Molecular Biology, Medical Lab, Biotech, Cell Biology, Science, Healthcare

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