PhD Candidate (m/f/d)

The Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften – ISAS – e. V. develops efficient analytical methods for health research. Thus, it contributes to the improvement of the prevention, early diagnosis, and therapy of diseases like cardiovascular diseases or cancer. Overall, the institute strives to advance precision medicine by combining knowledge from different fields such as biology, chemistry, computer science, medicine, pharmacology, and physics. ISAS is a member of the Leibniz Association and is publicly funded by the Federal Republic of Germany and its federal states. 

We invite applications for the Research Group Bioimaging:

PhD Candidate (m/f/d)

This project, funded by the DFG and part of TRR-332, “Neutrophils: Origin, Fate, and Function,” seeks to elucidate the responses that various neutrophil populations induce in macrophages during Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). In the context of RA’s inflammatory response, neutrophils exhibit targeted migration to specific anatomical niches within the joint, such as the synovial cavity and synovial fat pad. There they undergo distinct cell death modalities, including apoptosis and NETosis. To elucidate the cell origin and fate of these diverse neutrophil populations and their individual contributions to RA pathogenesis, the project will employ advanced methodologies. These include light-sheet fluorescence microscopy, confocal microscopy, and intravital two-photon microscopy, in conjunction with flow cytometry and transcriptome analyses.

You will be responsible for

• Planning and independent execution of experiments
• Establishment of novel staining protocols and sample preparation strategies
• Coordination of sample transfers with cooperation partners
• Preparation of human and murine samples for light-sheet fluorescence microscopy
• Performing confocal microscopy and intra-vital two-Photon microscopy
• Sample preparation for histological approaches
• Data processing and evaluation

Your profile

• Masters, Diploma or equivalent degree in natural sciences, preferably in biology or medical biology or comparable, is required
• Expertise in immunology is required, ideally with regard to neutrophils and macrophages
• Practical experience with fluorescence microscopy approaches (confocal laser scanning microscopy, light-sheet fluorescence microscopy)
• Practical experience in the preparation of fluorescent biological samples
• Confident handling of Microsoft Office (excel, powerpoint etc.) and image processing programs (e.g. ImageJ, Imaris)
• Willingness to work with animals
• Willingness for interdisciplinary scientific work, ability to work in a team, open-mindedness, commitment as well as written and spoken English are required

We offer

 

• A clear research topic as well as multifold training and support for PhD students in framework of ISAS and the Leibniz association
• Training and scientific development opportunities in an international environment and an excellent working atmosphere in a very dynamic and professional team
• Extensive state-of-the-art equipment and infrastructure in various analytical methods
• The opportunity to present your data on international conferences and participate in workshops
• A wide range of opportunities for further training and qualifications
• Flexible working times, mobile working and attractive social benefits
• Family-friendly infrastructure and support from a family service

Non-residents who apply for this job will receive help from the institute to find accommodation and to handle authorities. Applications from disabled applicants are welcome. ISAS supports the principle of equal opportunity for all employees and therefore particularly encourages women to apply.

The part-time position (65%) is available immediately and offered until 30 June 2030. The salary will be according to the German TV-L and falls within the pay group 13. The time limitation of the contract is based on the Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz (WissZeitVG).

ISAS collects and processes the personal data of its applicants in accordance with European and German legal regulations. Further information on data protection and the processing of personal data can be found at: https://www.isas.de/en/datenschutz.

The closing date for applications is August 1, 2026. Please apply via our applicant portal. If you have any questions (reference number 403_2026), feel free to contact the Human Resources team (bewerbungen@isas.de). Further information about the institute can be found at: https://www.isas.de/en.