Stellenausschreibungen

The Chair of Mathematics in Life Sciences at the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen- Nürnberg (FAU) and at the Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin in Erlangen (Germany) is looking for outstanding candidates to fill

Our Chair of Mathematics in Life Sciences (https://www.mathlife.nat.fau.de/) at the Friedrich-Alexander-Universitaet Erlangen-Nuernberg (FAU) develops and applies methods of statistical physics to understand complex biological phenomena. As a part of the recently founded interdisciplinary Max-Planck-Zentrum fuer Physik und Medizin (https://www.mpzpm.de/) we are contributing to the exciting research at the interface of physics, biology and medicine.

We are currently looking for excellent candidates to join the following projects as PhD:

Cell-matrix interactions in neuronal development

As a part of the truly interdisciplinary Collaborative Research Center “Exploring brain mechanics” (EBM: https://www.crc1540-ebm.research.fau.eu/) we investigate how the biophysical interactions of neurons and the surrounding extracellular matrix affect brain development and function. We focus on the theoretical models addressing this phenomenon during neuronal network formation and neuronal organoid growth.

Biophysics of helminth-host interactions

A project within the Research Training Group “Immunomicrotope” (https://www.immunomicrotope.de/) explores how helminth parasites use mechanical forces to make their way through the host tissues. Our aim is to build models that can take into account the fitness of the parasite and the effects of the immune response of the infected host.

Novel mechanisms of autoinflammation and autoimmunity

Systemic diseases such as psoriasis often link innate and adaptive immune systems as well as the processes of inflammation and autoimmunity. In this project, we aim to investigate how the immune response can be confused when naturally present immunomodulating molecules are repurposed by the process of proteolytic cleavage. This project is a part of the IMPRS-PM program (https://mpzpm.mpg.de/study-work-or-visit/graduate-programs/physics-and-medicine/)

Notwendige Qualifikationen:

We are looking for excellent candidates with interest in the areas of theoretical, statistical, mathematical and bio-physics, or applied mathematics and computer science with strong interest in biology and who enjoy interdisciplinary work.

Befristetes Forschungsvorhaben

To apply: Send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, list of publications via e-mail as a single PDF file. Please also arrange for at least two reference letters. Application documents, recommendation letters should be sent to Prof. Vasily Zaburdaev (vasily.zaburdaev@fau.de). Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.

FAU is a member of “The Family in Higher Education Institutions” best practice club and also aims to increase the number of women in scientific positions. Female candidates are therefore particularly encouraged to apply. In case of equal qualifications, candidates with disabilities will take precedence.

Biointerfaces Lab is offering

Master Thesis (1): Synthesis of Magnetic Nanomaterials

The Biointerfaces Labs (Prof. Dr. Danijela Gregurec) is offering a Master Thesis in the field of synthesis of magnetic nanomaterials. Anisotropic geometries in magnetic nanostructures have been described by our group (Gregurec et al., 2021) with properties highly desirable for application in mechanical neuromodulation. Spindle or tube shape like nanoparticles represent promising candidates, as their rotation can be induced through external magnetic field stress, while still presenting a favorable shape. The thesis will focus on the optimization of a hydrothermal reaction for the synthesis of nanotubes and nanospindles. The candidate will characterize the material and is expected to obtain a sound knowledge of crystal phase identification (QualX software, cell parameters calculations, Gaussian/Lorentzian fitting, etc.), magnetization curve analysis, and hands-on experience in sample preparation as well as basic TEM operation. The ideal candidate should have background in chemical synthesis and/or material science and a genuine interest in protocol development in material production, as well as an open-minded mentality, to work in a highly international and interdisciplinary team. This master thesis is integrated into a multidisciplinary project developing novel approaches for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, funded by the European Union’s European Innovation Council HORIZON-EIC-PATHFINDER program.

Master thesis (2): Calcium imaging for assessing magnetoelectric nanoparticle actuation on neurons

The Biointerfaces Lab (Prof. Dr. Danijela Gregurec) is offering a Master Thesis project in the field of nanotechnology and neuro-stimulation. The project aims to demonstrate the functionality of magnetoelectric nanoparticles in vitro. Experiments will be performed using fluorescence microscopy techniques to track calcium flux during induced cellular stimulation. The candidate will acquire comprehensive understanding on magnetoelectric materials and ion channel activation, hands on experience in primary cell cultures of hippocampal neurons as well as a direct handling of a fluorescence microscope and image processing. Ideally the MSc candidate should have a background in cultivation of cells and previous experience on microscopy (optical or fluorescent), as well as an open-minded mentality, to work in a highly international and interdisciplinary team. This master thesis is integrated into a multidisciplinary project developing novel approaches for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, funded by the European Union’s European Innovation Council HORIZON-EIC-PATHFINDER program.

The Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy on behalf of the Professor for Sensory Sciences (AK Gregurec, Biointerfaces Lab) is inviting applications for a PhD position in : Design and Development of Advanced and Miniaturized Electromagnetic Systems for Neuronal Stimulation.

Join Us in Pioneering the Future of Neuromodulation based on Magnetic Nanomaterials!

About Us:

Imagine a completely new technology that can wirelessly stimulate and monitor specific areas of the brain—transforming the possibilities for treatment of neurodegenerative conditions. At the Biointerfaces Lab at Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), our mission is to develop innovative, minimally invasive neuromodulation technologies that bring precision to therapeutic solutions for applications in the human brain.FAU is one of Germany’s leading research universities, offering an inspiring, interdisciplinary environment that fosters creativity, scientific collaboration, and entrepreneurial thinking. Our lab, within the Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, focuses on designing and applying magnetic nanomaterials for groundbreaking biomedical applications.

Your Role:

We are offering an exciting 3-year PhD position as part of the prestigious ERC-funded BRAINMASTER project. The goal? To develop next-generation devices that control deep brain activity remotely using magnetic nanomaterials.

As a researcher and PhD candidate, you will:

• Design advanced miniaturized electromagnetic circuits and use them to remotely control magnetic nanotransducers alongside MRI techniques.

• Take charge of your own research project, including experiment design, data management, and publication of results.

• Actively take part in project and group meetings and disseminate your research through conference proceedings and presentations, as well as the participation in public events.

• Supervise BSc/MSc students and contribute to the collective success of the lab.

• Collaborate closely with world-class experts at FAU and our partner institutions, like the Microelectronics Lab at the University of Glasgow, UK.

This is your opportunity to work at the forefront of neuromodulation, collaborating with experts in material sciences, neurobiology, and electronic engineering to reshape medical technology.

Notwendige Qualifikationen:

What You’ll Bring:

We’re seeking a passionate, highly motivated, self-driven scientist with:

• A Master’s degree in Electronic Engineering, Neuronal Engineering or similar fields.

• Strong theoretical and practical knowledge in the fields of electromagnetism, hands-on experience in electronic circuit development, and simulation skills (COMSOL Multiphysics or similar).

• Enthusiasm for applying magnetic nanomaterials to neurotechnology, neuromodulation, and electrophysiology.

• The ambition to optimize magnetic field parameters and develop MRI pulse sequences for in vitro and in vivo applications, using high field gradients with AC-field based neuromodulation volumes.

• Fluency in English, excellent communication skills and the willingness to fully commit yourself to drive innovation as part of a multidisciplinary and international team

Wünschenswerte Qualifikationen:

• Experience in data acquisition, MRI analysis, or image processing is a plus

Befristetes Forschungsvorhaben

What We Offer:

• Direct mentorship from Prof. Danijela Gregurec, head of Biointerfaces Lab and ERC and EIC grant awardee, giving you access to a strong European research network.

• Access to world-class FAU facilities with state-of-the-art technical equipment.

• Clean room training and cutting-edge technology transfer at the University of Glasgow, including hands-on experience in device fabrication and characterization.

• Be part of a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative environment that values equality and innovation.

• A 3-year position funded at 67% of TVL E13, in accordance with the German public sector salary scale.

Desired Start Date: January 1st, 2025

The Chair of Experimental Physics at Friedrich-Alexander-Univeristät Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) invites applications for

We are seeking highly motivated PhD candidates to join a rapidly growing research team, led by Christopher Eichler, which conducts state-of-the-art experimental research in quantum computing, quantum information science and quantum optics with superconducting circuits.

As a successful candidate, you will get the unique opportunity to take part in setting up a state-of-the-art quantum-computing laboratory and to perform collaborative research contributing to the grand goal of building universal quantum computers. Based on your interests and skills you will engage with a set of specific research topics chosen from the following areas:

• Design and fabrication of next-generation multi-qubit quantum processors enabling hardware-efficient quantum error correction,

• Exploration of Novel circuit QED components enabling fast and high-fidelity gates and measurements,

• Development, fabrication and characterization of 3D-integrated multi-chip modules,

• Research on elements for quantum communication and modular quantum computing,

• Improvements to qubit coherence enabled by new materials, processes, and chip designs,

• System integration and (real-time) system control enabled by machine learning,

• Tune-up, operation and (algorithmic) benchmarking of quantum computing hardware.

Your research will benefit from a stimulating academic environment offered by FAU and will be embedded in a rapidly evolving quantum ecosystem in Bavaria. You will have opportunities to interact with partners and collaborators in academia and industry as part of national and state-level initiatives such as the Munich Quantum Valley.

Notwendige Qualifikationen:

Your profile and qualification:

• You hold a Master’s degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Quantum Engineering, Micro- and Nanotechnology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering or a related field.

• You have a strong interest in experimental realizations of quantum information processing systems.

• You are dedicated to pursuing a successful career in research, development or education either in academia or in industry.

Wünschenswerte Qualifikationen:

Ideally, you have experience in one or more of the following areas: quantum information processing e.g. with superconducting circuits, trapped ions, semiconductor quantum dots or color centers, experimental quantum optics and atomic physics, cavity quantum electrodynamics, micro- and Nano-scale electronic devices and their fabrication (cleanroom, deposition, lithography, etching techniques), mesoscopic solid-state physics, low-temperature physics, operation of dilution refrigerators, microwave electronics, digital electronics, FPGAs, instrumentation, and software development.

Befristetes Forschungsvorhaben

How to apply:

We look forward to receiving your application documents sent to quantum-office@fau.de as a single pdf-file.

Application documents should include

• a motivation letter,

• a curriculum vitae,

• a list of publications,

• certificates and transcripts,

• copies of bachelor and master theses (as available),

• contact information of two references.

Please arrange for two reference letters to be sent directly to Christopher Eichler. Applications will be considered immediately and until positions have been filled.

The Chair of Experimental Physics at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) invites application for a PostDoctoral position in Experimental Quantum Computing with Superconducting Circuits.

Description of the Position:

We are seeking highly motivated PostDoc researchers to join a rapidly growing research team, led by Christopher Eichler, which conducts state-of-the-art experimental research in quantum computing, quantum information science and quantum optics with superconducting circuits.

As a successful candidate, you will get the unique opportunity to take part in setting up a state-of-the-art quantum-computing laboratory and to perform collaborative research contributing to the grand goal of building universal quantum computers. Based on your interests and skills you will engage with a set of specific research topics chosen from the following areas:

• Design and fabrication of next-generation multi-qubit quantum processors enabling hardware-efficient quantum error correction

• Exploration of Novel circuit QED components enabling fast and high-fidelity gates and measurements

• Development, fabrication and characterization of 3D-integrated multi-chip modules

• Research on elements for quantum communication and modular quantum computing

• Improvements to qubit coherence enabled by new materials, processes, and chip designs

• System integration and (real-time) system control enabled by machine learning

• Tune-up, operation and (algorithmic) benchmarking of quantum computing hardware

Your research will benefit from a stimulating academic environment offered by FAU and will be embedded in a rapidly evolving quantum ecosystem in Bavaria. You will have opportunities to interact with partners and collaborators in academia and industry as part of national and state-level initiatives such as the Munich Quantum Valley.

Notwendige Qualifikationen:

Your profile and qualification:

• You have a PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Quantum Engineering, Micro- and Nanotechnology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering or a related field

• You have a strong interest in experimental realizations of quantum information processing systems.

• You are dedicated to pursue a successful career in research, development or education either in academia or industry.

Wünschenswerte Qualifikationen:

Ideally, you have experience in one or more of the following areas: quantum information processing e.g. with superconducting circuits, trapped ions, semiconductor quantum dots or color centers, experimental quantum optics and atomic physics, cavity quantum electrodynamics, micro- and nano-scale electronic devices and their fabrication (cleanroom, deposition, lithography, etching techniques), mesoscopic solid-state physics, low-temperature physics, operation of dilution refrigerators, microwave electronics, digital electronics, FPGAs, instrumentation, and software development.

Befristetes Forschungsvorhaben

How to apply:

We look forward to receiving your application documents sent to quantum-office@fau.de as a single pdf-file. Application documents should include

• a motivation letter,

• a curriculum vitae,

• a list of publications,

-certificates and transcripts,

• copies of bachelor and master theses (as available) and doctoral certificate,

• contact information of two references.

Please arrange for two reference letters to be sent directly to Christopher Eichler.Applications will be considered immediately and until positions have been filled.

Department of Data Science (DDS) hires

• Understand and work with optimization algorithms implemented in Python and MATLAB
• parameters within the code and make minor implementations as needed
• Generate plots and visualizations
• Contribute in the creation of posters and presentations for project dissemination

Notwendige Qualifikationen:

• Proficiency in Python and MATLAB
• Basic knowledge in (robust) optimization
• Experience in Latex. Beamer

• Experience in data analysis and visualization tools

Wünschenswerte Qualifikationen:

• Good communication and presentation skills
• Interest in robust optimization and model-predictive control
• Interest in nanoparticle research and quality control techniques

The position is part of the CRC1411 „model-predictive design of particulate products“. The student will contribute to research area „Quality control of robust optimization“.

Die Professur für Pharmazeutische Chemie (Prof. Eichler) sucht eine(n) wissenschaftliche(n) Mitarbeiter(in) / Doktorand(in).

•Struktur-basiertes Design, Synthese und bioanalytische Charakterisierung von Peptiden•experimentelle Methoden: Festphasen-Peptidsynthese, -analytik (LC-MS, diverse chromatografische Verfahren) und –reinigung (präparative HPLC), chemoselektive Ligationsreaktionen, Bindungstests (ELISA, Biacore, Fluoreszenzpolarisation u.a.)•Austausch und Zusammenarbeit mit Kooperationspartnern•Betreuung anspruchsvoller wissenschaftlicher Geräte•aktive Mitarbeit in der Lehre (Betreuung von Praktika, Bachelor- und Projektarbeiten)•Präsentationen auf wissenschaftlichen Veranstaltungen (Retreats, Konferenzen u.a.)•Verfassen wissenschaftlicher Publikationen

Notwendige Qualifikationen:

•abgeschlossenes Master- bzw. Staatsexamen-Studium in Chemie, Biologie, Pharmazie oder einem angrenzenden Fach•ausgeprägtes Interesse an – und möglichst erste Erfahrungen in - biomedizinischer Forschung an der Schnittstelle von Chemie, Biologie und Medizin •sehr gute Englischkenntnisse in Wort und Schrift

Befristetes Forschungsvorhaben

Der Forschungsschwerpunkt unserer Arbeitsgruppe ist die Erforschung von Protein-Protein-Interaktionen, insbesondere der Wechselwirkungen viraler Proteine mit ihren Wirtszellrezeptoren, mithilfe synthetischer Peptide als Mimetika der Proteinbindungsstellen. Diese Peptide sind aussichtsreiche Kandidaten für neuartige antivirale therapeutische Strategien.

Die Stelle ist zunächst auf zwei Jahre befristet (mit der Möglichkeit einer Verlängerung)

Bewerbungen mit den üblichen Unterlagen (ausschließlich in elektronischer Form, zusammengefasst in EINER pdf-Datei)