Master Thesis – Characterization of the photosynthetic activity of photoautotrophic organisms at the single-cell level
At the Institute of Bio- and Geosciences - Biotechnology (IBG-1), interdisciplinary teams are working on the development of biotechnological processes for the industry of tomorrow. In doing so, IBG-1 is focusing on the development of increasingly automated and miniaturised experiments. To this end, the ‘Microscale Bioengineering’ research group has been carrying out pioneering work since 2010: individual cells can be studied in microfluidic cultivation systems on a picolitre scale. This methodology offers highly controlled environmental conditions, a high degree of parallelisation and low media consumption. We are only at the beginning of an exciting development: by combining state-of-the-art microfluidics, high-resolution live-cell microscopy and automated image analysis, we expect to gain new insights into fundamental biotechnology research and the behaviour of individual microorganisms. Find out more at: www.fz-juelich.de/ibg/ibg-1/microscale
Your Job
Join the “Microscale Bioengineering” research group! As part of your thesis, you will investigate a current biological question relating to the photosynthetic processes of photoautotrophic organisms at the single-cell level. To do this, you will use a microscope-based saturation pulse method developed by our research group (similar to PAM fluorometry) within a microfluidic system. In doing so, you will combine experimental research with fluorescence microscopy and computer-assisted image and data analysis, and will have the opportunity to contribute your own scientific questions and ideas.
Your work will focus on:
- Independently investigating a biological question relating to the photosynthetic processes of photoautotrophic organisms
- Planning, carrying out and optimizing experiments
- Fabrication of microfluidic chips in the laboratory
- Characterization of cellular photosynthetic activity using microscope-based saturation pulse fluorometry
- Literature review on the research topic
- Computer-assisted image analysis using the latest techniques based on deep learning methods
- Statistical analysis, visualization and interpretation of experimental data
Your Profile
- Currently enrolled in a Master’s degree programme in biotechnology, biology, microbiology or a comparable subject.
- An interest in photosynthesis, photobiology and working with photoautotrophic microorganisms.
- Knowledge of microbiology, cell biology or fluorescence microscopy would be an advantage.
- A passion for experimental laboratory work and an interest in contributing your own ideas.
- An interdisciplinary outlook and the ability to collaborate constructively.
- An independent and reliable approach to work.
- Very good command of written and spoken English is required (at least B2 level according to the CEFR), ideally supported by a certificate confirming the language level.
Our Benefits for You
- Meaningful Tasks: Your thesis deals with a future-oriented, socially relevant topic with direct practical relevance in an international environment
- Practical relevance: With us, you will gain valuable practical experience alongside your studies and actively participate in interdisciplinary projects
- Scientific environment: You can expect excellent scientific equipment, modern technologies, and qualified support from experienced colleagues
- Personal responsibility: You organize your tasks independently—from preparation to implementation
- Onboarding & teamwork: You can look forward to working in a dedicated, international, and collegial team. It is important to us that you quickly settle into the team and are given structured training for your tasks. We also support you from the very beginning and make your start easier with our Welcome Days and Welcome Guide
- Work-life balance: We offer flexible working hours to help you balance your professional and personal life. You also have the option of flexible working (in terms of location), which is generally possible after consultation and in line with upcoming tasks and (on-site) appointments
- Flexibility: Flexible working hours make it easier for you to balance work and study
- Health & well-being: Your health is important to us. You can look forward to a comprehensive company health management programme with a wide range of options, including a beach volleyball court, running groups, yoga classes and much more. In addition, our company medical service and an experienced social counselling team are available to assist you on site
- Campus experience: Our research campus in the countryside creates ideal conditions for collegial exchange and sporting activities right on site. Our cafeteria offers a wide range of options—you can enjoy a relaxing lunch break with a lake view
- Perspective: If you have the appropriate qualifications and funding is available, the institute offers the opportunity to do your PhD after completing your master's thesis
In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer you much more: https://go.fzj.de/benefits
We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.
The following links provide further information on diversity and equal opportunities: https://go.fzj.de/equality and on specific support options for women: https://go.fzj.de/womens-job-journey. International applicants can find more information here: https://go.fzj.de/job-journey-internationals
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