Internship with subsequent Master's thesis on the morphomechanical characterization of human cells

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!

We are currently looking for a Master’s student to join our research group »DNA Nanodevices« at the Leipzig site for an internship with a subsequent Master’s thesis.

The research group works on the design of DNA nanostructures and their functionalization with a wide range of (bio)molecules for later application in diagnostic and immunological contexts. In addition, the team investigates the morphomechanical properties of various cell types.

What you will do

In cognitive and chronic diseases, cellular morphology and mechanical properties can sensitively indicate pathological changes - sometimes even before classical molecular markers become detectable. The goal of your thesis is to analyze cells from human-derived samples morphomechanically, in order to identify potential new diagnostic approaches based on your observations. Your tasks will include :

• Cultivating eukaryotic cells and establishing stable cell cultures
• Learning and applying modern cytometric techniques such as flow cytometry and real-time deformability cytometry (RTDC) to analyze mechanical cell parameters
• Analyzing human samples (serum, whole blood, plasma) from the Leipzig Biobank with a focus on patient-oriented research questions
• Planning, performing, and evaluating basic biological and biochemical laboratory techniques

What you bring to the table

What you can expect

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 internships or 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.

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

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

Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI

Requisition Number : 80850                Application Deadline :