Postdoctoral Position (all genders) in Optics / Physics – Group Biomarker Detection in Brain (BDB)

About BioMed X

BioMed X is an independent research institute located on the campus of the University of Heidelberg in Germany, with a world-wide network of partner locations. Together with our partners, we identify big biomedical research challenges and provide creative solutions by combining global crowdsourcing with local incubation of the world’s brightest early-career research talents. Each of the highly diverse research teams at BioMed X has access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure and is continuously guided by experienced mentors from academia and industry. At BioMed X, we combine the best of two worlds - academia and industry - and enable breakthrough innovation by making biomedical research more efficient, more agile, and more fun.

About Team BDB

The objective of the group, headed by Dr. Khulan Sergelen is to develop an in vivo continuous monitoring biosensor for direct detection of small molecule biomarkers in brain tissue of rodent models for elucidating pharmacodynamic (PD) effect and pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters of drugs against neuropsychiatric diseases. Our team will explore the multifaceted task of continuous monitoring biosensor development, including molecular design and assay development, biocompatible sensor architecture, and optical sensor integration for in vivo monitoring.

The Position

We are looking for a highly enthusiastic physicist to broaden our think-tank with their intellectual power and technical excellence. The ideal candidate would have a Ph.D. degree or equivalent in physics/optics and a strong background in optical detection technologies, optical engineering and programming. The Postdoc/PhD will design, build, and integrate an optical detection platform. The design of the sensor will consider the various molecular and sensor surface designs explored within the group to tackle the challenge of monitoring small molecules in complex biological matrices. The candidate should be passionate to work within an multidisciplinary team in the fields of neuroscience, biochemistry, physical chemistry and nanotechnology.

Required skills

• Experienced in optical sensor design and integration
• Experience in design and setup of fibre optic systems is a big plus
• Experience in programming for data processing (e.g. Python or Matlab)
• Experience with optical simulation tools
• Ability to work independently and in an interdisciplinary teams
• Curiousity and willingness to learn new skills
• Excellent communication skills in English

Additional preferred skills

• Experience in plasmonics (SPR, LSPR etc.)
• Experience in biosensing

What we offer

• International, diverse, and positive work atmosphere, flexible working environment
• A competitive salary
• Access to training and lecture courses in house as well as in neighboring research institutions on the Life Science Campus in Heidelberg
• Access to a vast network in science and industry.
• Job ticket, sponsored fitness contract, complimentary fresh fruit, soft drinks, chocolate, and team recognitio events, etc.

The post is offered for a limited term until 28 February 2026. The position is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim.

Candidates are requested to submit

• 1-page cover letter explaining the reasons of interest to join our team
• Curriculum Vitae outlining scientific interests, research achievements, a record of publications, future personal goals and extra-scientific passions
• 2 reference letters

The position is available as of 01 April, 2022. Please submit your application to the attention of Dr. Khulan Sergelen before 15 March, 2022 via the BioMed X Career Space on this website. Applicants will be considered continuously.