Open positions
You would like to join our chair and write your bachelor/ master or doctoral thesis here? Have a look at our currently offered projects.
PhD position and Master thesis in x-ray physics
Please check out the x-ray physics page for position in the group of Bert Nickel.
Master thesis at AG Rädler
Tug-of-war between healthy and diseased cells in engineered cell clusters on micropattern
Living tissues are active materials that have the ability to self-organize and repair themselves. Their macroscopic properties, such as rigidity and fluidity, emerge from the properties and interactions of their constituent cellular units. In the case of cancer, diseased cells coexist with healthy cells as a two-component cell mixture. Altered cell deformability and cell–cell interactions result in segregation, domain formation and metastasis.
In the Rädler group, we study the multicellular dynamics of epithelial cells by using a minimal system of four cells confined in micropattern. We have recently developed a method to induce repeated T1-transitions of the cell junctions, enabling reproducible measurements of cell-cell decoupling.
As a Master’s student, your task will be to take fluorescence life cell time-lapse microscopy data and to quantitatively derive cell interaction parameters using state-of-the art image analysis and mathematical modeling. The project will be carried out in collaboration with the dynamics of living systems group of Wolfgang Losert at the University of Maryland (USA) including student exchange opportunities.
If you are interested and would like to learn more, please contact Prof. Dr. Joachim Rädler or Agathe Jouneau.
PhD Position 'Single cell behaviour in confined micropatterns'
The Soft Matter Group at LMU is seeking a highly motivated and talented individual for a PhD position funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG). This position is part of a research project focusing on the behaviour of migrating cells in one-dimensional confined environments.
The PhD project aims to unravel the mechanisms of single cell migration within micropatterned environments. By employing state-of-the-art experimental techniques, you will investigate how cells migrate in and adapt to confined spaces. This project is conducted in collaboration with a theoretical research group based in Berlin, offering the opportunity to integrate experimental and theoretical approaches.
Contact Prof. Dr. Joachim Rädler
- Perform high-throughput time-lapse microscopy to observe cell migration dynamics.
- Utilize Fluorescent Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP) to study molecular mobility and interactions within migrating cells.
- Develop and employ photochemical microfabrication techniques to create migration platforms.
- Maintain and culture various cell lines for experimental use.
- Apply computer vision methods for image analysis and data quantification.
- Collaborate closely with theoretical researchers to integrate experimental data with computational models.
- A dynamic and stimulating research environment within a leading Soft Matter group.
- Access to cutting-edge experimental facilities and technologies.
- Collaboration with top-tier theoretical researchers.
- Comprehensive training and support for professional development.
- Competitive salary and benefits in accordance with DFG guidelines.
A Master's degree (or equivalent) in Physics, Biophysics, Cell Biology, or a related field.
- Strong experimental skills and hands-on experience with microscopy techniques.
- Familiarity with cell culture and molecular biology techniques desirable.
- Basic knowledge of computer vision and data analysis desirable.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
- Proficiency in English (both written and spoken).
Interested candidates should submit the following documents:
- A detailed CV, including academic background and research experience.
- A cover letter outlining your motivation and suitability for the position.
- Contact information for academic references (optional).
- Copies of relevant academic transcripts and certificates.