PhD position - Microfluidics and single-cell analysis for co-cultures between Paramecium bursaria and cyanobacteria

Your Job:

Become part of the Microscale Bioengineering working group! We will tailor your individual research project to your technical expertise and personal interests.

• Development and optimization of microfluidic cultivation platforms for co-cultures
  
• Live-cell microscopy (including fluorescence, phase contrast and time-lapse) for the analysis of cell interactions.
  
• Conducting cultivation experiments with cyanobacteria and Paramecium bursaria.
  
• Image data analysis using AI-based tools and programming analysis scripts.
  
• Participation in conferences, presentations, and preparation of publications.
  
• Intensive exchange with our partners at CNRS and Michigan State University
  
• Close collaboration with partner laboratories in the US and France (including laboratory stays)

Your Profile:

• A Master`s degree in Bioengineering, Physics, Biotechnology, Microsystems Technology or a related field is required.
  
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: microfluidics, microscopy, fermentation, phototropic organisms, cell culture and image analysis. Programming skills in Python and ImageJ are advantageous.
  
• Interest in interdisciplinary and international teamwork.
  
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree:

• A highly motivated working group as well as an international and interdisciplinary working environment in one of the largest research institutions in Europe
  
• Excellent scientific and technical infrastructure
  
• Opportunity to participate in (international) conferences and project meetings
  
• Continuous professional support by your scientific supervisor(s)
  
• 30 days of annual leave and provision for days off between public holidays and weekends (e.g. between Christmas and New Year)
  
• A large research campus with green spaces, offering the best possible means for networking with colleagues and pursuing sports alongside work
  
• Further development of your personal strengths, e.g. through an extensive range of training courses; a structured program of continuing education and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral researchers via JuDocS, the Jülich Center for Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors: https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/judocs
  
• Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service
  

The employment of doctoral researchers at Jülich is governed by a doctoral contract, which usually has a term of three years. Pay is in line with 65% of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) and additionally 60 % of a monthly salary as special payment („Christmas bonus“). Pay higher than the basic pay may be possible. The monthly salaries in euro can be found on the BMI website: https://go.fzj.de/bmi.tvoed.entgelt Further information on doctoral degrees at Forschungszentrum Jülich (including its various branch offices) is available at https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/careers/phd

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.

Further information on diversity and equal opportunities: https://go.fzj.de/equality