Master Thesis – Development of a microfluidic system for singl...

Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH P-VA Personalabrechnung; Jülich; On-site; EUR 13,000 - 19,000; Full time

Job summary

Forschungszentrum Jülich seeks a Master’s student to develop microfluidic platforms for cultivation and single-cell analysis. You will work from concept through CAD design, fabrication and experimental testing within the Microscale Bioengineering group, contributing own ideas and novel solutions.

You will validate the systems as part of ongoing projects, with interdisciplinary collaboration and access to advanced imaging and analysis tools, in an international research environment.

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in a Master’s degree programme in engineering (bioprocess engineering, biotechnology, microsystems engineering or comparable).
• Interest in design and practical implementation of new technical solutions.
• Knowledge of microfluidics, CAD, microscopy, single-cell analysis, biotechnology or bioprocess engineering is advantageous.
• Strong hands-on experimental development, prototyping and optimization skills.
• Interdisciplinary mindset and collaborative ability.
• Self-driven, reliable work approach.
• Excellent command of English (written and spoken), B2 or higher, ideally with a certificate.

Responsibilities

• Independently conceive and develop innovative microfluidic cultivation systems for single-cell analysis.
• Develop and implement new technical solutions, including experimental setups and control concepts.
• CAD design and fabrication of microfluidic chips in the lab.
• Conduct literature research on the topic.
• Perform computer-assisted image analysis using deep learning techniques.
• Quantitatively analyze, visualize and interpret experimental data.

Skills

Microfluidics

CAD

Microscopy

Single-cell analysis

Biotechnology

Education

Master's degree in engineering (bioprocess/biotechnology/microsystems)

Job description

Master Thesis – Development of a microfluidic system for single-cell analysis of photoautotrophic organisms

At the Institute of Bio- and Geosciences - Biotechnology (IBG-1), interdisciplinary teams are working on the development of biotechnological processes for the industry of tomorrow. In doing so, IBG-1 is focusing on the development of increasingly automated and miniaturised experiments. To this end, the ‘Microscale Bioengineering’ research group has been carrying out pioneering work since 2010: individual cells can be studied in microfluidic cultivation systems on a picolitre scale. This methodology offers highly controlled environmental conditions, a high degree of parallelisation and low media consumption. We are only at the beginning of an exciting development: by combining state‑of‑the‑art microfluidics, high‑resolution live‑cell microscopy and automated image analysis, we expect to gain new insights into fundamental biotechnology research and the behaviour of individual microorganisms. Find out more at:

Your Job

Join the ‘Microscale Bioengineering’ working group! As part of your thesis, you will develop innovative microfluidic platforms for cultivation and analysis at the single‑cell level. From the initial idea through to CAD design, fabrication and experimental testing, you will help shape the entire development process. We are particularly keen to hear your own ideas and technical solutions. The systems developed will then be validated and further optimised as part of our “1+1=1” research project.

Your main areas of focus will be:

• Independent conception and development of innovative microfluidic cultivation systems for single‑cell analysis


• Developing and implementing your own new technical solutions, including experimental set‑ups and control concepts


• CAD design and fabrication of microfluidic chips in the laboratory


• Literature research on the research topic


• Computer‑assisted image analysis using the latest techniques based on deep learning methods


• Quantitative analysis, visualisation and interpretation of experimental data

Your Profile

• Currently enrolled in a Master’s degree programme in engineering, e.g. bioprocess engineering, biotechnology, microsystems engineering or a comparable discipline.


• An interest in the development, design and practical implementation of new technical solutions.


• Knowledge of microfluidics, CAD, microscopy, single‑cell analysis, biotechnology or bioprocess engineering would be an advantage.


• Practical skills and a passion for experimental development, prototyping and optimisation.


• An interdisciplinary mindset and the ability to collaborate constructively.


• An independent and reliable approach to work.


• Very good command of written and spoken English is required (at least B2 level according to the ), ideally supported by a certificate confirming the language level.

Our Benefits for You

• Meaningful Tasks: Your thesis deals with a future‑oriented, socially relevant topic with direct practical relevance in an international environment


• Practical relevance: With us, you will gain valuable practical experience alongside your studies and actively participate in interdisciplinary projects


• Scientific environment: You can expect excellent scientific equipment, modern technologies, and qualified support from experienced colleagues


• Onboarding & teamwork: You can look forward to working in a dedicated, international, and collegial team. It is important to us that you quickly settle into the team and are given structured training for your tasks. We also support you from the very beginning and make your start easier with our


• Work‑life balance: We offer flexible working hours to help you balance your professional and personal life. You also have the option of flexible working (in terms of location), which is generally possible after consultation and in line with upcoming tasks and (on‑site) appointments


• Flexibility: Flexible working hours make it easier for you to balance work and study


• Health & well‑being: Your health is important to us. You can look forward to a comprehensive company health management programme with a wide range of options, including a beach volleyball court, running groups, yoga classes and much more. In addition, our company medical service and an experienced social counselling team are available to assist you on site


• Campus experience: Our research campus in the countryside creates ideal conditions for collegial exchange and sporting activities right on site. Our cafeteria offers a wide range of options—you can enjoy a relaxing lunch break with a lake view

In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer you much more:

• We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin.


• A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realise their potential is important to us.

Place of Employment: Jülich

Start Date: To the next possible date

Salary: We will pay you an appropriate remuneration for your thesis

Application Deadline: 2026-11-12

Index number: 2026M-0819