Interherence, a cutting-edge deep tech startup, is excited to announce an open PhD position focused on the development of an innovative optical microscopy platform. This project is dedicated to studying archaea and their biofilm formation, a crucial area in microbiological research. The selected candidate will play a pivotal role in creating a groundbreaking measurement system capable of visualizing archaea in their native, label-free state, as well as employing fluorescence techniques.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and develop an advanced optical microscopy platform tailored for archaea research.
• Implement label-free imaging techniques alongside fluorescence microscopy to provide comprehensive visualization of archaea and their biofilms.
• Collaborate with our R&D team to integrate the latest optical technologies and methodologies into the microscopy system.
• Engage in interdisciplinary research and collaborate with multiple academic partners to understand and meet the experimental requirements for studying these unique biological systems.

This position offers a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of optical microscopy innovation, contributing significantly to the understanding of archaea. Interherence is committed to providing a dynamic and supportive environment for groundbreaking research and personal growth.

Requirements

Research Field

Microfluidics, Biophysics, Optics

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Required selection criteria

• Exceptional Academic Record with above average GPA
• Relevant Research Experience in optics and microfluidics
• Strong Independence and Self-Motivation underlined by individual projects
• Adaptability and Fast-Paced Work Ethic with demonstrated resilience
• Collaborative Skills and Cultural Fit to work in a multinational startup environment

Preferred selection criteria

• Experience in fluorescence microscopy and single molecule physics
• Experience in interferometric scattering microscopy
• Interdisciplinary experience spanning from physics, medicine to biology

Specific Requirements

• Must not already hold a doctoral degree
• Must comply with the MSC Action mobility rule: not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Germany for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date

Additional Information

Benefits

• Access to state-of-the-art training within the ARCTECH doctoral network, at an academic, and industry level
• Opportunities to collaborate with discipline specific world leading researchers
• A mobility allowance to support relocation
• A family allowance for the relocation of family (terms and conditions apply)

Eligibility criteria

Interherence is a deep tech startup that postulates an open-minded, respectful atmosphere regardless of differences in background, experiences, perspectives, and identities. We believe that working on our core values of inclusion and equality is a joint responsibility and we are constructively working on creating a socially safe environment. Diversity among team members enriches perspectives as well as academic debate and contributes to the quality of our services and research. We therefore invite applicants from underrepresented groups in particular to apply.

Our selection procedure follows European Commission’s European Code of Conduct for recruitment of researchers: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/charter/code

Selection process

The application and supporting documentation to be used as the basis for the assessment must be in English.Applications should include:

• Complete CV (name, address, degree(s) with transcript(s) of grades, research experience, educational and employment history, publications etc.)

• Letter of application (max. 1 page) including a short explanation of the applicant’s motivation to undertake a PhD
• Transcripts and diplomas for bachelor’s and master’s degrees
• A copy of the master’s thesis. If you recently have submitted your master’s thesis, you can attach a draft of the thesis. Documentation of a completed master’s degree must be presented before taking up the position.
• Names, contact details (including email addresses) of at least two referees

Upon request, you must be able to obtain certified copies of your documentation.

Please upload your application with the documents as listed above, quoting the reference number , by 5pm (CET+1) on 12^th May 2024 on the following website:

http://archaeaforbiotechnology.eu

Applications submitted by post or to other email addresses will not be considered. 

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience, and personal and interpersonal qualities.

Additional comments

This PhD position will be located at the headquarter of Interherence in Erlangen and associated with the University of Freibug.

Interherence is a pioneering high-tech startup passionately dedicated to revolutionizing the field of optical biotechnologies. Our mission is to develop, manufacture, and sell groundbreaking products that are not just game-changers but also vital tools in understanding complex biological systems. By harnessing the power of both integrated and classical optics, along with advanced nanofabrication methods, we are pushing the boundaries of light microscopy. Our innovations are designed to facilitate groundbreaking research in biology and medicine, significantly aiding in the development of new drugs and advancing human knowledge and health. At Interherence, we are committed to bringing ease of use, unparalleled precision, and reproducibility to researchers worldwide, empowering them to unlock the mysteries of life at a single molevule level.

In this exciting PhD opportunity at Interherence, we offer a comprehensive total compensation package of €3,400 per month. This competitive salary reflects our commitment to attracting and supporting talented individuals who are eager to contribute to groundbreaking work in optical biotechnologies and the advancement of scientific