PhD Position in Physics: Pushing the Boundaries of Optical Molecular Imaging (m/f/div)

The Department of Prof. Dr. Stefan W. Hell invites applications for a PhD position at the intersections of optical science, molecular imaging, and biophysics to start as soon as possible. Opportunities are available in Heidelberg and Göttingen for highly motivated physicists who are interested in working in a world-leading, multidisciplinary research group. The successful candidate will be able to apply for admission to the Max Planck School of Photonics or Göttingen Graduate Center for Neurosciences, Biophysics, and Molecular Biosciences (GGNB).

The MINFLUX (Balzarotti et al., Science 2017) and MINSTED (Weber et al., Nature Photonics 2021) concepts have unlocked the door to minimally invasive, low-light-level analysis of the structure and dynamics of macromolecules at the nanometer scale (Wirth et al., Science 2023; Schleske et al., PNAS 2024). This includes experiments at 1-nm resolution and with Ångström measurement precision (Sahl et al. Science 2024). The successful candidate will work on next-generation MINFLUX optical instrumentation.

• candidates should have earned (or expect to complete soon) a Master’s degree in physics, biophysics, or a comparable qualification
• a willingness to learn and master new challenges
• confidence and the ability to work independently and within a team
• a strong attention to detail and high level of critical thinking
• previous experience with related techniques (photonics, fluorescence, imaging or biochemical methods) is helpful but not essential

• interesting, diversified tasks with self-responsibility
• flexible working hours
• highly motivated team
• internationally oriented institute with an outstanding working environment

The payment is based on the TVöD guidelines (“Promotionsfördervertrag”). The PhD positions are limited to three years with a possibility of extension.
The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. The Max Planck Society strives for gender and diversity equality. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply. A daycare center for children is located near the institute.