Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology (LSB), Freising

Master’s Student (m/f/d) – Thesis

The Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich (LeibnizLSB@TUM), a legal foundation under civil law based in Freising, is a prominent member of the Leibniz Association. Our institute integrates cutting-edge biomolecular research, bioinformatics, and high-performance analytical technologies to explore the complex interactions between the human organism and food components.

To strengthen our research group Transcriptome & Proteome Profiling / Section I, we are currently looking for a committed Master’s Student of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Biophysics or related for the preparation of a Master's thesis for a duration of 6 months. The topic of the thesis is "Optimization of DNA Synthesis via Photolithography for High-Throughput Applications”.

About the Project:

Our group, Transcriptome & Proteome Profiling at LSB, is pioneering next-generation approaches for high-throughput DNA synthesis using photolithography-based methods. The project aims to understand and minimize the sources of synthesis errors in photochemically controlled oligonucleotide assembly.

This research is highly interdisciplinary, combining chemistry, photonics, and molecular biology, and has direct implications for DNA data storage, gene therapy, genome screening, proteomics, and genomics. The goal is to push the limits of DNA synthesis fidelity and density on solid substrates.

Key Responsibilities:

• Participate in the optimization of photolithographic DNA synthesis.
• Conduct experiments (designed by yourself or your supervisor) to analyze error sources (e.g. incomplete coupling, deprotection efficiency, sequence-dependent effects).
• Perform test to evaluate synthesis quality (e.g. fluorescence-based hybridization assays, library preparation for sequencing)
• Work with state-of-the-art microarray and imaging systems.
• Analyze experimental data statistically and contribute to method development and troubleshooting.

Ideal Applicants Must Have:

• You are enrolled in a Master’s program in biochemistry, molecular biology, chemistry, biotechnology, biophysics, or a related field.
• You have a strong interest in experimental work and a curiosity about interdisciplinary research at the interface of chemistry and biology.
• Basic experience in DNA/RNA handling, fluorescence microscopy, or photochemistry is advantageous but not required.
• You are motivated, organized, and eager to contribute to a fast-evolving research field.
• Experience in data analysis is advantageous (if you are very good at this, your tasks may focus only on this skill).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English

We are seeking a highly motivated individual with excellent interpersonal communication, time-management skills, commitment to laboratory safety and handling laboratory equipment with care. We are looking for a team player, who can work independently as well. This offer is aimed exclusively at students.

What we offer:

• a respectful and collegial working atmosphere
• an interesting and responsible role in the context of cutting-edge non-university research
• The opportunity to work on groundbreaking technology with real-world impact.
• Guidance and mentorship from experienced scientists.
• Access to modern laboratories equipped for high-throughput synthesis and analysis.
• Possibility to contribute to scientific publications.
• flexible working hours enabling a good balance between work and family life
• a motivated team looking forward to welcoming you

Equal Opportunities and Diversity

Leibniz-LSB@TUM is committed to equal opportunities, diversity, and a respectful working environment. We welcome applications regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic or social origin, religion or belief, disability, age, or sexual orientation and identity.

Applicants with severe disabilities or those with equivalent status will be given preferential consideration in cases of essentially equal qualification (§ 2 SGB IX).

Contact and Application

For any inquiries regarding the advertised position, please contact:

Dr. Hamed Sabzalipoor, h.sabzalipoor.leibniz-lsb(at)tum.de.

More information on the working group can be found here: https://www.leibniz-lsb.de/en/research/research-sections/section-i.

Please send your application, including a tabular CV, motivation letter and current transcript of records, as a PDF file and stating the reference number 2025-18-S1-HS via email to:

Dr. Hamed Sabzalipoor (Postdoc) h.sabzalipoor.leibniz-lsb(at)tum.de and Anja Albrecht (Administration) recruiting.leibniz-lsb(at)tum.de.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Data Protection Notice:

As part of your application for a position at Leibniz-LSB@TUM, you will transmit personal data. Please refer to our data protection information in accordance with Article 13 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) regarding the collection and processing of personal data in the context of your application. By submitting your application, you confirm that you have taken note of the Leibniz-LSB@TUM data protection information.