Doctoral Researcher (m/f/d)

About the Institute

The Leibniz Institute for Analytical Sciences (ISAS) develops analytical methods for health research. Its work supports better prevention, earlier diagnosis, and improved treatment options for conditions such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. The institute’s long-term focus is to advance personalized therapy by bringing together expertise from biology, chemistry, computer science, medicine, pharmacology, and physics. ISAS is part of the Leibniz Association and receives public funding from the Federal Republic of Germany and the federal states.

Doctoral Research Opportunity

The Bioimaging research group at ISAS is looking for a doctoral researcher for a DFG-funded project within the collaborative research center SFB TRR-332, “Neutrophils: Origin, Fate, and Function.” The project aims to uncover how different neutrophil populations influence macrophages during the course of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In RA-related inflammation, neutrophils migrate into specific anatomical niches in the joint, including the synovial cavity and synovial fat tissue, where they undergo different cell death pathways such as apoptosis and NETosis. To study the cellular origin, differentiation, and functional contribution of these neutrophil populations to RA pathogenesis, the project uses advanced methods including light-sheet fluorescence microscopy, confocal microscopy, intravital two-photon microscopy, flow cytometry, and transcriptomic analysis.

Responsibilities

• Plan and carry out experiments independently
• Develop staining protocols and sample preparation workflows
• Coordinate sample exchange with collaborating partners
• Prepare human and mouse samples for light-sheet fluorescence microscopy
• Perform confocal microscopy and intravital two-photon microscopy
• Prepare samples for histological analysis
• Process and analyze data

Requirements

• Completed Master’s, Diplom, or an equivalent degree in a natural science discipline, preferably biology, medical biology, or a closely related field
• Solid knowledge of immunology, ideally with a focus on neutrophils and macrophages
• Hands-on experience with fluorescence microscopy techniques such as confocal laser scanning microscopy and light-sheet fluorescence microscopy
• Practical experience preparing fluorescent biological samples
• Confident use of Microsoft Office tools such as Excel and PowerPoint, as well as image-processing software such as ImageJ and Imaris
• Willingness to work with animal experiments
• Interest in interdisciplinary scientific work, strong teamwork skills, openness, commitment, and very good written and spoken English

Benefits

• A clearly defined research topic together with broad doctoral training and supervision at ISAS and within the Leibniz Association
• Professional development opportunities in an international setting and a strong working atmosphere within a highly dynamic and professional team
• Extensive state-of-the-art equipment and infrastructure for a wide range of analytical methods
• The chance to present results at international conferences and participate in workshops
• Flexible working hours, mobile working options, and attractive social benefits
• Family-friendly infrastructure and support from a family service

Working Conditions

The position is a 65% part-time role, available immediately, and limited until 30 June 2030. Compensation follows the TV-L pay scale at pay grade E13. The fixed-term arrangement is based on the German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (WissZeitVG).

Equal Opportunity and Inclusion

Women will be given preference in case of equal suitability, qualifications, and professional performance, provided they are underrepresented in the relevant organizational unit and no stronger reasons in another candidate’s person outweigh this. Applications from suitably qualified candidates with severe disabilities or those treated as equivalent are explicitly encouraged.

Data Protection

ISAS processes applicants’ personal data in accordance with European and German legal requirements. Further information on data protection and the handling of personal data is available via the institute’s applicant privacy notice.

Application Information

The application deadline is 1 August 2026. Applications should be submitted through the institute’s application portal. For questions, please refer to reference number 403_2026 and contact the Human Resources team by email at bewerbungen@isas.de. Additional information about the institute is available on its official website.