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 '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.
Master thesis 'Collective cell motion in tumor'
Living matter is intrinsically dynamical, including tumor-like cell aggregates and tissue. The organization and dynamics of cellular matter exhibits characteristic states and glass-like transitions. We aim to follow cellular dynamics by tracking cell nuclei of tumor model systems using 3D confocal microscopy. Specifically we study the dynamics of immune cells within the tumor as a function of the tumor dynamical state. The project is related to efforts by medical partners to better quantify the efficiency of engineered immune cells in the context of CAR T-cell therapy.
The task of the Master thesis is to design a microfluidic platform for the study of small 3D clusters of cancer cells, 3D imaging of the tumor and CAR T-cell using confocal microscopy. Image analysis using existing software tools and analysis of motility states from trajectory data.
Contact Agathe Jouneau and Prof. Dr. Joachim Rädler