- Develop analytical instrumentation for self-driving laboratories that automate and optimize bioconjugation reactions.
- Design, build, and validate optical measurement modules for characterizing proteins, DNA/RNA, and small molecules, providing insight into reaction progress and product quality.
- Integrate your analytical modules into an automated platform combining robotics and sensor technology.
- Develop instrument control and data analysis software, with a focus on making measurements and experimental workflows accessible to AI-based tools.
- Implement machine learning approaches for closed-loop optimization, using experimental results to guide the selection of subsequent reaction conditions.
- Collaborate with researchers and industry partners, publish your findings, and work towards your PhD.
PhD Position (m/w/d) Bioanalytical Instrumentation for Self-Driving Labs
KSI, TU Dresden
Part-time
Temporary
Your mission
Your profile
- A Master’s degree in physics, engineering, physical chemistry, biophysics, or a related discipline, ideally with a focus on optics, analytical instrumentation, or laboratory automation.
- An interest in developing instruments at the interface of optics, bioanalytics, and laboratory automation.
- Practical experience in experimental work, ideally involving optical measurements, sensors, or instrument development.
- Programming skills, preferably in Python, and enthusiasm for connecting hardware, software, and data analysis.
- An interest in machine learning and AI-driven experimentation; previous experience is welcome.
- A hands-on approach, scientific curiosity, and the ability to work independently while contributing to an interdisciplinary team.
- Good communication skills in English and a willingness to explore topics beyond your own discipline.
Why us?
- Pursue a PhD in the nano-bio research group of KSI’s director Prof. Dr. Ulrich Rant, awarded by TU Dresden, one of Germany’s Universities of Excellence
- Shape a new generation of self-driving laboratories for biomolecular research, from the first instrument concept to its application in automated experiments.
- Participate in an interdisciplinary research environment with close links to industry partners
- Work at the intersection of physical chemistry, engineering, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence.
- Contribute to collaborative projects with a clear path from scientific ideas to practical applications.
- Benefit from expertise in measurement and sensor technology and opportunities to develop your skills in instrumentation, programming, and machine learning.
- We offer compensation according to TV-L E13 (75%) and the use of the KSI-shuttle between Dresden and Meinsberg.
About us
The Kurt Schwabe Institute for Sensor Technologies is a non-profit research institute in Saxony, Germany, located near Dresden, Leipzig, and Chemnitz. We are dedicated to applied and fundamental research in chemical, biological, and physical sensor technologies. With expertise spanning micro- and nanotechnology, materials science, electrical engineering, bioanalytics, and scientific instrumentation, the institute develops innovative measurement technologies for applications in health, environment, industry, and life sciences.
From nurturing the next generation of scientists to building prototypes for tomorrow’s innovations, the KSI is where ideas turn into impact.
KSI directors are affiliated with TU Dresden and hold professorships in Physical Chemistry and Electrical Engineering.
TU Dresden is one of Germany’s leading universities and a University of Excellence, offering a highly interdisciplinary research environment across engineering, natural sciences, life sciences, medicine, and digital technologies. As the degree-awarding university, TU Dresden provides BSc, MSc, and PhD researchers with access to a broad academic network, structured doctoral support, and excellent opportunities for scientific training and collaboration.
From nurturing the next generation of scientists to building prototypes for tomorrow’s innovations, the KSI is where ideas turn into impact.
KSI directors are affiliated with TU Dresden and hold professorships in Physical Chemistry and Electrical Engineering.
TU Dresden is one of Germany’s leading universities and a University of Excellence, offering a highly interdisciplinary research environment across engineering, natural sciences, life sciences, medicine, and digital technologies. As the degree-awarding university, TU Dresden provides BSc, MSc, and PhD researchers with access to a broad academic network, structured doctoral support, and excellent opportunities for scientific training and collaboration.