Research Assistant or PhD Candidate in Spectroscopy & Imaging (m/f/d) in Jena

The Leibniz Institute of Photonics Technology (Leibniz IPHT (https://www.leibniz-ipht.de/en/homepage/) ) is seeking to fill a position (full-time or part-time) in the Research Department Spectroscopy & Imaging (https://www.leibniz-ipht.de/en/departments/spectroscopy-and-imaging/) , Work Group Raman and IR spectroscopic analysis (https://www.leibniz-ipht.de/en/departments/spectroscopy-and-imaging/work-groups/raman-and-infrared-histopathology/) , starting 1 January 2026, as a

Research Assistant or PhD Candidate (m/f/d)

The position as research assistant is a full-time position (100%) and is initially limited to 2 years. The position as doctoral candidate is a part-time position (65%) with a fixed term of 3 years. For both positions, an extension is envisaged if the candidate is suitable.

The Leibniz-IPHT is a university independent research institute with close connection to the Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena (https://www.uni-jena.de/en) and member of the Leibniz association (https://www.leibniz-gemeinschaft.de/en/) .

Job description

The Leibniz Institute for Photonic Technologies (https://www.leibniz-ipht.de) is involved in the PhotonMed project of the European partnership "Chips Joint Undertaking” which is co-funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR). Leibniz IPHT contributes to pilot lines for in vitro and in vivo diagnostic applications. In particular, interaction between cells and drugs will be studied by novel combinations of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and vibrational spectroscopic techniques to collect complementary information and compare the sensitivity and specificity of drug-induced changes in cellular model systems. Topics encompass research works with SPR instruments of the Finish partner Bionavis, Raman and infrared micro spectrometer. Based on the initial results, optical and spectroscopic prototypes for microscopic imaging are developed for integration of SPR cartridges.

Your field of activity includes:

• Prepare and measure cells on SPR cartridges by SPR, Raman and infrared instruments
• Study cell-drug interactions using SPR and Raman instruments at various excitation wavelengths
• Characterize an in-house point-of-care Raman reader for this application
• Design a fiber optical coupler to collect Raman spectra from cells on SPR cartridges
• Elaborate a workflow for combined collection of SPR, Raman, fluorescence, and infrared data

Your qualifications:

• PhD or master's degree in natural / life sciences or related

Desired knowledge and skills:

• Practical experience in the design and construction of optical setups, including light sources, microscopes, cameras and detectors
• Advanced knowledge in cell cultivation
• Advanced Knowledge of Raman / infrared spectroscopy, and surface plasmon resonance
• Advanced knowledge of LabView, Python or comparable programming languages for instrument control and data analysis
• Very good knowledge of English

We offer:

• An open welcoming culture and an inclusive and interdisciplinary working environment: Located on the Beutenberg campus in Jena, Leibniz-IPHT is home to more than 400 employees from around the world working at the interface of physics, biochemistry, technology, data science and medicine to develop the photonic technologies of tomorrow.
• World-class equipment and facilities: Leibniz-IPHT has a large number of physics, chemistry and biology laboratories at the highest level. It also has state-of-the-art fiber drawing and clean room facilities as well as microfluidics fabrication and big data computing facilities.
• Thorough and comprehensive personal training: Transferring good practices in scientific working and outreach is one of our main focus points. In a respectful and appreciative environment, you will learn everything you need for a career inside and outside of science. Moreover, plenty of workshops and opportunities for scientific exchange are offered by the Leibniz IPHT, as well as the Abbe School of Photonics and the Graduate Academy of the Friedrich-Schiller University Jena.
• A family-friendly working environment with support offers for the compatibility of family and work (e.g. parent-child office, campus kindergarten places, advice on family care situations from trained care guides and much more).
• Flexible working time models as well as 30 days vacation/year, special annual payment and bridge days.
• Jena - City of Science: a young city with a vibrant local cultural agenda!

Salary:

Salary is in accordance with the regulations of the TV-L and your qualifications and experience.

About us:

We are a modern, internationally focused research institute. Work-life balance is one of our central concerns. We value diversity and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of gender, disability, nationality or ethnic and social origin. If women are underrepresented in the area of the advertised position, they will be given preferential consideration in the hiring process if they are equally qualified.

Further information:

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Christoph Krafft (https://www.leibniz-ipht.de/de/author/1344/) , mail: christoph.krafft@leibniz-ipht.de, phone: +46 3641 206306.

Application:

Please simply apply via our jobportal (https://www.leibniz-ipht.de/en/career/job-portal/) (https://www.leibniz-ipht.de/en/career/job-portal/) or send your application electronically as one pdf file via E-Mail until 31 October 2025, including your CV and certificates, to:

Leibniz-Institute of Photonic Technology Jena e. V.

Human Resources

Albert-Einstein-Straße 9, 07745 Jena

E-Mail: Personal_Abtl@leibniz-ipht.de

Reference Number: 1400

Bereitgestellt in Kooperation mit der Bundesagentur für Arbeit.