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Master's thesis on Raman spectroscopic investigation (f/m/d) - Job Opportunity at Leibniz-Institut für Photonische Technologien e. V.

Jena, Germany
Part-time
Entry-level
Posted: July 29, 2025
On-site
As a Master's thesis position in Germany, this would typically be unpaid or provide a modest stipend of €400-800 per month. However, the research experience gained is equivalent to entry-level research positions that typically pay €35,000-45,000 annually in the German photonics sector.

Benefits

Comprehensive training and supervision throughout the project duration, providing structured mentorship that accelerates skill development
Hands-on experience with cutting-edge Raman spectroscopy equipment and analytical techniques in a world-class research environment
Access to safety-regulated S2 laboratory facilities with professional-grade biosafety protocols and equipment
Interdisciplinary research exposure combining biology, spectroscopy, and immunology for enhanced career versatility
Direct supervision by experienced research scientists with expertise in biospectroscopy and bioassay development
Opportunity to contribute to biomedical diagnostics research with potential real-world applications in pathogen detection
Professional networking opportunities within the Leibniz research community and broader photonics industry

Key Responsibilities

Execute comprehensive blood sample preparation and handling protocols to ensure sample integrity for spectroscopic analysis, directly contributing to the reliability of immune cell research outcomes
Conduct controlled exposure of immune cells to inactivated bacterial and viral pathogens under stringent safety protocols, generating critical data for pathogen recognition studies
Perform advanced Raman spectroscopic investigations using state-of-the-art instrumentation to capture biochemical signatures of immune cell responses
Execute sophisticated statistical analysis and interpretation of complex spectral data sets to identify distinguishing patterns in immune cell behavior
Characterize and differentiate biochemical responses of blood immune cells to provide insights into fundamental immune mechanisms
Analyze Raman spectral signatures to reveal immune cell subtype-specific reactions, contributing to the advancement of immune profiling methodologies

Requirements

Education

Master's degree student from Natural Science background

Experience

Prior exposure to Raman spectroscopy and statistical data analysis techniques preferred but not mandatory

Required Skills

Willingness to work with blood-derived immune cells and handle inactivated bacterial and viral pathogens in a safety-regulated (S2) laboratory environment Interest in, or prior exposure to, Raman spectroscopy and statistical data analysis techniques Background in cell biology, immunology, or photonics/instrumentation is advantageous but not mandatory Strong motivation to engage in interdisciplinary research at the intersection of biology, spectroscopy, and immunology
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The photonics and biophotonics industry is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by increasing demand for non-invasive diagnostic techniques and personalized medicine approaches. Raman spectroscopy applications in medical diagnostics are expanding rapidly as healthcare systems seek faster, more accurate pathogen detection methods, particularly following global pandemic experiences that highlighted the need for rapid immune response analysis. Interdisciplinary research combining spectroscopy with immunology is becoming increasingly valuable as the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors invest heavily in understanding immune mechanisms for drug development and vaccine research. This convergence is creating new career pathways for professionals who can bridge physics, biology, and data analytics. The European research landscape is heavily investing in photonic technologies as part of digital transformation and health innovation strategies, with Germany positioning itself as a leader in optical technologies and biophotonics research through substantial government and EU funding initiatives.

Role Significance

Typical research teams in this context consist of 3-8 members including postdoctoral researchers, PhD students, research technicians, and principal investigators, with Master's students working closely with 1-2 direct supervisors.
This is an entry-level research position designed for graduate students, representing the foundational stage of a research career in biophotonics. While junior in nature, the role provides direct access to cutting-edge research methodologies and positions the candidate for advanced research roles upon completion.

Key Projects

Development of rapid pathogen detection systems using optical spectroscopy techniques for clinical applications Investigation of immune cell behavior patterns for pharmaceutical research and drug development initiatives Creation of spectroscopic databases for immune profiling applications in personalized medicine approaches

Success Factors

Technical proficiency in handling complex analytical instrumentation and maintaining precision in experimental protocols, as research validity depends entirely on methodological rigor and data quality consistency. Strong analytical thinking capabilities for interpreting complex spectral data patterns and statistical relationships, requiring the ability to identify meaningful biological signals within large datasets and translate findings into actionable scientific insights. Adaptability to interdisciplinary research environments where biological knowledge must be integrated with physics principles and data science methodologies, demanding continuous learning and intellectual flexibility across multiple scientific domains. Meticulous attention to safety protocols and laboratory procedures, particularly crucial when handling biological materials and operating sophisticated optical equipment in regulated research environments.

Market Demand

High demand exists for professionals with combined expertise in spectroscopy and biological applications, as this skillset addresses critical needs in medical diagnostics, pharmaceutical research, and biotechnology development sectors.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Raman spectroscopy expertise is absolutely essential as it forms the core methodology of the research project. Proficiency in this technique opens doors to numerous applications in medical diagnostics, pharmaceutical research, and materials analysis, making it a highly transferable and valuable skill in multiple industries. Statistical data analysis capabilities are crucial for extracting meaningful insights from complex spectral datasets. This skill is increasingly important across all scientific disciplines and is particularly valuable in the era of big data and machine learning applications in biological research. Laboratory safety protocols and biological sample handling skills are fundamental requirements that ensure research integrity and personal safety. These competencies are essential for any career involving biological research and are highly valued by employers in biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors.

Beneficial Skills

Cell biology and immunology knowledge enhances the ability to design meaningful experiments and interpret results within proper biological context, making researchers more effective at translating technical findings into clinically relevant insights. Programming and data visualization skills using tools like Python, R, or MATLAB significantly enhance career prospects by enabling advanced data analysis and presentation capabilities that are increasingly expected in modern research environments. Project management and scientific communication abilities become increasingly important for career advancement, as researchers must effectively communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences including funding agencies, collaborators, and commercial partners.

Unique Aspects

This position offers rare direct access to cutting-edge Raman spectroscopy equipment combined with advanced biosafety facilities, providing hands-on experience with professional-grade instrumentation that is typically unavailable in standard university settings.
The interdisciplinary nature of combining immunology, spectroscopy, and data analysis creates a unique skill profile that is highly valued in the growing field of optical diagnostics and personalized medicine applications.
Working within the prestigious Leibniz research network provides exceptional networking opportunities and access to collaborative research projects with leading European institutions and industry partners.
The focus on pathogen-immune cell interactions addresses critical contemporary healthcare challenges, potentially contributing to future pandemic preparedness and diagnostic technology development initiatives.

Career Growth

Career progression typically occurs within 2-4 years post-graduation, with PhD programs offering immediate next steps, while industry positions may require 1-2 years of additional experience or specialized training in commercial applications.

Potential Next Roles

PhD researcher in biophotonics or optical diagnostics with focus on advanced spectroscopic techniques and clinical applications Research scientist positions in biotechnology companies developing optical diagnostic instruments and medical devices Application specialist roles with spectroscopy equipment manufacturers, providing technical expertise to research institutions and clinical laboratories Biomedical engineer positions in medical device companies focusing on optical diagnostic technologies and immune monitoring systems

Company Overview

Leibniz-Institut für Photonische Technologien e. V.

Leibniz-Institut für Photonische Technologien e. V. (Leibniz-IPHT) is a prestigious German research institution specializing in photonic technologies with particular strength in spectroscopy, fiber optics, and optical diagnostics. As part of the Leibniz Association, it maintains high scientific standards and substantial research funding while fostering collaborations with universities and industry partners across Europe.

The institute holds a leading position in European photonics research, consistently publishing high-impact scientific research and maintaining strong connections with both academic institutions and commercial partners. Its reputation for excellence in optical technologies makes it a highly respected training ground for emerging researchers.
Located in Jena, Germany's optics valley, the institute benefits from proximity to world-renowned optical companies like Carl Zeiss and Jenoptik, creating an ecosystem that facilitates knowledge transfer between academic research and commercial applications while providing excellent networking opportunities.
The research environment emphasizes scientific rigor, international collaboration, and interdisciplinary approaches to complex problems. The culture supports professional development through mentorship, conference participation, and collaborative projects, preparing researchers for successful careers in both academic and industrial settings.
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