Stellenbeschreibung

At the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI, we bring together the expertise of our employees to drive medical progress. Our focus is on cell and gene therapy, pharmaceuticals and vaccines, molecular and immune diagnostics, and other innovative topics. We are the professional home for scientists, engineers, laboratory technicians, and administrative staff who work together in the service of health.

Would you like to put your theoretical knowledge into practice and gain exciting insights into cutting-edge interdisciplinary research? Then you’ve come to the right place!

For our "Integrative Biomarkers and Nanotools” research group at our Leipzig site, we are recruiting a Master’s student to begin an internship, followed by a thesis project, in October 2026. The research group focuses, among other things, on analyzing the morphomechanical properties of a wide variety of cell types.

Be part of change

In cases of cognitive and chronic diseases, the morphology and mechanical properties of cells can provide early and sensitive indications of pathological changes - sometimes even before traditional molecular markers become detectable. The goal of your thesis is to conduct morphomechanical analyses of cells in order to identify potential new diagnostic approaches based on your observations.

In doing so, you will take on the following exciting tasks:

• You will culture eukaryotic cells and establish stable cell cultures.
• You will familiarize yourself with the application of modern cytometric methods and perform, for example, flow cytometry and deformation cytometry (DC).
• You will plan, apply, and evaluate the results of fundamental biological and biochemical laboratory methods.

What you contribute

• A bachelor’s degree (B.Sc.) in the life sciences (e.g., biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, biophysics, or a related field) and enrollment as a Master’s student
• Practical experience with basic molecular biology techniques (pipetting, preparing buffers, working under sterile conditions, etc.); prior experience in cell culture is desirable but not mandatory
• Proficiency in data analysis and processing using standard computer software
• Ideally, strong communication skills in both German and English
• You enjoy learning new practical skills, approach unfamiliar topics with curiosity and a structured mindset, and quickly grasp them through your analytical approach.

What we offer

• Thanks to our close ties to industry, we combine creative freedom in research with real value creation - all while generating benefits for society. Through your work, you’ll help shape the medicine of tomorrow and gain exciting insights into Europe’s leading organization for applied research.
• You’ll be part of an international and interdisciplinary team and have access to state-of-the-art technology for biological and biochemical analyses.
• You’ll gain valuable practical experience and prepare yourself optimally for future positions - by learning relevant scientific methods and further developing your skills in independently planning and conducting experiments.
• During your time at Fraunhofer IZI, we offer you expert guidance on an eye-to-eye basis.
• With a flexible schedule tailored to your studies, we enable you to manage your time freely and independently.

The duration of the project is flexible and depends on your university’s requirements and your preferred schedule. Please note: We are unable to offer financial compensation for the work on your thesis; however, you can expect an exciting research topic and close academic supervision.

We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications – regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. Our tasks are diverse and adaptable – for applicants with disabilities, we work together to find solutions that best promote their abilities.

Ready for a change? Then apply now and make a difference! Once we have received your online application, you will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt. We will then get back to you as soon as possible and let you know what happens next.

Do you have questions about the position or the application process? We’re here for you:

Dr. David Smith
Head of the Integrative Biomarkers and Nanotools Research Group
Email: david.smith@izi.fraunhofer.de