The Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL) research covers a wide range of topics at the forefront of optics and photonics research, including nonlinear optics, quantum optics, nanophotonics, photonic crystal fibers, optomechanics, quantum technologies, biophysics, and links between physics and medicine.

The Biological Optomechanics Division of Prof. Jochen Guck at the MPL is looking to fill a

Postdoctoral Position (m/f/div)
in Advanced Biophysical Analysis
full-time (39 h / week) — duration three years

About us:

It is increasingly recognized that a complete understanding of biological systems has to go beyond genes and proteins, and consider emergent physical properties at larger scales. We investigate these physical – mechanical and optical –properties of living cells and tissues using novel photonics and biophysical tools and test their biological importance. Our ultimate goal is the transfer of our findings to medical applications. We are a highly interdisciplinary research group of physicists, biologists, chemists, and engineers, and value an open culture of knowledge exchange.

In this particular project we are interested in characterizing the physical properties of parasites and their hosts. The quantitative measurement of the forces that parasites exert on their host environment, and of the intricate shapes and mechanical properties of parasite and hosts that enable the amazing parasitic life in a hostile environment is a fascinating frontier that has never been consistently explored. The project is part of the DFG priority program “Physics of Parasitism” and will provide the full spectrum of biophysical characterization techniques available at the division to the other member groups of the priority program.

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher with solid existing experience in any area of biophysical quantification of forces, shapes or mechanics of biological objects. You should hold an advanced degree in the field of physics, biophysics, (bio)mechanical engineering or a comparable subject, with relevant professional experience and a good publication track record. You want to join our efforts and are collaborative, ambitious, meticulous, scientifically adventurous, creative, and curiosity-driven. You are eager to face new challenges and work independently, but in close cooperation with others. You should have proven and advanced expertise in at least one of the following techniques: atomic force microscopy-enabled nanoindentation, high-speed microscopy in microfluidic systems, Brillouin microscopy, optical diffraction tomography, or hydrogel beads as cell-scale stress sensors.

Your specific tasks will include:

• Informing scientists from other priority program groups about state-of-the-art biophysical techniques
• Performing routine measurements for/with scientists from other groups
• Training scientists from other groups in the independent use of techniques
• Refining approaches to suit specific needs
• Specifically developing new techniques as needed

The project duration is initially for three years. Questions about this project can be directed to: guck-office@mpl.mpg.de.

Apply online with a motivation letter, CV, list of publications, and names of two references.

The Max Planck Society strives for gender and diversity equality. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in ist workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals.

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