Master's thesis in the field of molecular biology (Erfurt, DE, 99099) en Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft

At the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI, we bring together the expertise of our employees to drive medical progress. Our focus is on cell and gene therapy, pharmaceuticals and vaccines, molecular and immune diagnostics, and other innovative topics. We are the professional home for scientists, engineers, laboratory technicians, and administrative staff who work together in the service of health.

Would you like to put your theoretical knowledge into practice and gain exciting insights into interdisciplinary cutting-edge research? Then you’ve come to the right place!

The Fraunhofer IZI has a branch office in Erfurt (Herman-Hollerith-Straße 3) at the Fraunhofer Center Erfurt (FZE). For this group at the FZE, we are looking for a Master's student to work on a thesis from November 2025. The FZE develops methods for the precision analysis of cells based on principles and techniques from analytical chemistry, biotechnology and biophysics.

What you will do

The Master's thesis is part of a project in which innovative, photonic biosensors made of silicon nitride (Si₃N₄) are developed. Part of the development is the establishment of bioassays for the sensitive and selective detection of biomarkers associated with cardiomyopathy and cytokine release syndrome which are transferred to the photonic sensors.
Your tasks will include:

• Designing and optimizing immunoassays, such as ELISA, for selected biomarkers
• Characterizing assay performance
• Functionalizing biosensor surfaces
• Investigating and applying signal enhancement strategies

What you bring to the table

• A Bachelor’s degree (B. Sc.) in biosciences (e. g., biochemistry, biology, biotechnology, biophysics or a related field), and current enrollment in a Master's program
• Practical experience with basic lab techniques (such as pipetting, preparation of buffers, etc.) and in bioanalytical methods, especially immunoassays or molecular diagnostics
• Knowledge of data analysis and processing using common software tools
• Ideally, good communication skills in both German and English
• You are enthusiastic about learning new practical skills, approach unfamiliar topics with curiosity and quickly and independently delve into them through your analytical approach.

What you can expect

• With our strong links to industry, you benefit from an environment where creative research freedom meets real-world application – with tangible societal impact. You actively contribute to shaping tomorrow’s medicine and gain insights into Europe’s leading organization for applied research.
• You will work as part of an international and interdisciplinary team, have access to state-of-the-art technologies for biological and biochemical analyses, and enjoy a high degree of creative freedom.
• You will gain valuable hands-on experience and prepare for future roles by learning relevant scientific methods and strengthening your skills in independently planning and conducting experiments.
• Throughout your time at Fraunhofer IZI, you will receive technically sound and collaborative supervision at eye level.

The duration of the project is flexible and depends on your university’s requirements and your personal schedule. Please note: We cannot offer financial compensation for thesis work. However, you can expect an exciting research topic and intensive scientific supervision.

We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. 

Interested? Apply online via our career portal now. We look forward to getting to know you!

Do you have questions about the position or the application process? We’re here for you:

Hendrik Reichelt
Research Group »DNA Nanostructures«
[email protected] 

Dr. David Smith
Head of Research Group »DNA Nanostructures«
Email: [email protected] 

Lea-Sophie Fingerhut
Strategic HR Development & Recruiting
Email: [email protected] 
Phone: +49 341/35536-9224

Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI 

www.izi.fraunhofer.de 

Requisition Number: 81402                Application Deadline: 09/28/2025