At the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (Leibniz IPHT) we are looking in the Research Department IR Biospectroscopy, Working Group for Applied IR Biospectroscopy, starting September 1st, 2026, for a

PhD Student (m/f/d)

The position is a part-time (65%) and initially limited to a period of three years.

An extension will be sought if suitable

The Leibniz-IPHT is a member of Leibniz-Association and a non-university research institute with close connection to Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena.

Job description:

Micro- and nanoplastics are emerging environmental contaminants that may affect cellular processes associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Understanding their impact on protein aggregation and cellular stress responses requires advanced multimodal imaging and spectroscopic approaches.

This PhD project focuses on the development of a correlative fluorescence, Raman, and O-PTIR imaging platform to investigate nanoplastic-induced protein misfolding and proteostasis disruption in neurodegenerative disease models. The successful candidate will work with neuronal cell models relevant to Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease and combine fluorescence microscopy with Raman and O-PTIR imaging to study intracellular nanoplastic accumulation, protein aggregation, and lysosomal dysfunction.

The project includes cell culture experiments, multimodal spectroscopic imaging, data analysis, and complementary functional assays related to proteostasis and aggregate clearance pathways. The candidate will join a highly interdisciplinary research environment at the interface of spectroscopy, imaging, biophotonics, and cell biology.

Your field of activity includes:

• Cultivation and treatment of neuronal cell models exposed to nanoplastics
• Application of advanced fluorescence imaging and spectroscopic techniques for cellular analysis
• Investigation of protein aggregation, cellular stress responses, and proteostasis-related processes
• Development and optimization of multimodal bioanalytical and imaging workflows
• Processing, analysis, and interpretation of spectroscopic and imaging data
• Validation of spectroscopic findings using complementary biochemical and cellular assays
• Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams combining expertise in biology, spectroscopy, imaging, and data science
• Documentation, presentation, and publication of scientific results in project meetings, international conferences, and peer-reviewed journals
• Active participation in scientific training activities and interdisciplinary research projects

Your qualification:

• Completed a Master’s degree in biophotonics, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, medical photonics, biophysics, biotechnology or a related field.

Desired knowledge and skills:

• Basic knowledge of Raman or infrared spectroscopy or microscopy
• Experience in cell culture, biological samples, and fluorescence microscopy is desirable
• Programming experience in Python, Matlab or similar programs is advantageous
• Strong interest in neurodegeneration, proteostasis, spectroscopy, imaging, and nanoplastic research
• Experience with image analysis, multimodal data processing, and programming in Python, Matlab, or similar software is beneficial
• Ability to work independently in an interdisciplinary research environment combining biology, spectroscopy, and data science
• Very good command of written and spoken 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. We’ll teach everything that is needed for a career inside and outside of academia in a respectful and enjoyable way. 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 rooms, 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. Samir Elmashtoly, mail: [email protected].

Application:

Simply apply via our job portal (https://www.leibniz-ipht.de/en/institute/career/job-portal/) or send your application with the usual documents (motivation letter, high school diploma, university degree / master’s certificate, CV) until 31.07.2026 by e-mail, preferably as one pdf file, quoting reference number 1421 to the:

Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology Jena e.V.

Human Resources

Albert-Einstein-Straße 9, 07745 Jena

E-Mail: [email protected]

Code: 1421