PhD - Development of a Novel Lab-on-a-Chip Component for the Analysis and Sorting of Single Cells

Bosch; Renningen; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Bosch in Renningen is offering a PhD position to develop a dielectric dielectrophoresis (DEP) chip for single-cell analysis and sorting within a life sciences context. You will work on semiconductor-based DEP chips, microfluidics, and CMOS-compatible manufacturing routes.

You will design and fabricate a functional demonstrator, characterize it with living cells, and perform proof-of-concept experiments across operating modes.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field as listed.
• Strong knowledge of MEMS, microfluidics and biomedical engineering.
• Experience with microfluidic/electrical design for lab-on-chip systems and modeling.
• Excellent German and English communication; hands-on experimental skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and evaluate concepts for DEP chips and CMOS-compatible routes.
• Investigate manufacturing scales and chip miniaturization limits.
• Design and fabricate a functional demonstrator integrated with microfluidics.
• Characterize the prototype and perform proof-of-concept with living cells.
• Communicate results clearly and contribute creatively to projects.

Skills

German language

English language

Hands-on research

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Microsystems Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Physics or related field

Tools

CMOS technology

Microfluidics

Dielectrophoresis (DEP)

Lab-on-chip design

Job description

Company Description

At Bosch, we shape the future by inventing high-quality technologies and services that spark enthusiasm and enrich people’s lives. Our promise to our associates is rock-solid: we grow together, we enjoy our work, and we inspire each other. Join in and feel the difference. The Robert Bosch GmbH is looking forward to your application!

Job Description

As part of our research team, you will work on cutting-edge solutions for the life sciences. We are offering a PhD position to develop a novel dielectrophoresis (DEP) chip for the analysis and sorting of single cells. Multi-omics analyses at the single-cell level offer crucial diagnostic insights into diseases. However, current automation technologies are often inefficient and expensive. Your project will focus on overcoming these limitations by developing an image-based DEP chip to automate the compartmentation, sample preparation, analysis, and sorting of single cells. This technology aims to enable high-throughput, gentle multi-omics analyses for universal sample types.

• You will develop and evaluate innovative concepts for semiconductor-based dielectrophoresis (DEP) chips, determining robust electrical, microfluidic, and thermal operating parameters.
• Furthermore, you will investigate the physical limits of chip miniaturization and explore feasible manufacturing routes compatible with Bosch’s CMOS technology.
• You will design and fabricate a functional demonstrator using semiconductor manufacturing processes and integrate it into a microfluidic system.
• Last but not least, you will characterize the prototype and perform a proof of concept for all operating modes using a representative bioassay with living cells in physiological media.

Qualifications

• Education: excellent Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Microsystems Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Physics, or a comparable field
• Experience and Knowledge: detailed knowledge of classical MEMS, microfluidics, and biomedical engineering; expertise in microfluidic and electrical design for lab-on-chip systems; experience in modeling of physical cell interactions at the microscale; knowledge of (optical) signal processing; experience with cleanroom processes and knowledge of oncology are advantageous
• Personality and Working Practice: you actively contribute your ideas and communicate your research results clearly and convincingly; your curiosity motivates you to explore new approaches, and you enjoy taking a hands‑on role; you work in a structured manner to achieve your goals, develop creative solutions to complex challenges, and independently conduct experiments
• Languages: very good written and spoken German and English

Additional Information

https://www.bosch-ai.com

www.bosch.com/research

The final topic depends on your university.

Start: Oktober 2026

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