PhD Position

PhD Position in Microfluidic EV Isolation for Early Cancer Detection (f/m/d)

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD Student (f/m/d) to join our new group at Heidelberg University. Heidelberg University is a comprehensive research university with a strong international profile. With around 31,300 students and 8,400 employees, including numerous top researchers, it is a globally respected institution and a key player in the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region.

Are you passionate about microfluidics, acoustofluidics, biomedical engineering, or extracellular vesicles? Join us in developing innovative acoustofluidic systems to enrich extracellular vesicles (EVs) from microlitre samples. Our aim is to establish the physical and engineering foundations for breakthrough applications in cancer diagnostics and therapies.

Your tasks:

• Design, prototype, and test microfluidic devices for EV enrichment.
• Explore acoustic trapping principles using frequency/power modulation and material effects.
• Integrate ultrasound transducers, electronics, and materials (glass, polymers, 3D printing) into functional prototypes.
• Interface microfluidic systems with analytical pipelines (LC-MS, ELISA).
• Collaborate with biologists and clinicians to integrate devices into EV workflows.
• Contribute to publications and present your work at international conferences.

Your profile:

• A good master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Molecular Biotechnology, EV-Biology or related fields
• Background in microfluidics, acoustics, or related areas is beneficial, but not essential.
• Hands-on experience with device prototyping (e.g., soft lithography, cleanroom, 3D printing) is desirable but not mandatory.
• Strong motivation to work at the interface of engineering and life sciences.
• Excellent communication skills in English, team spirit, and curiosity-driven research mindset.

We offer:

• A cutting-edge interdisciplinary research environment.
• Access to state-of-the-art microfabrication and acoustofluidic facilities.
• Comprehensive training opportunities and international collaborations.
• Career development support through mentoring and conference participation.

The position is limited up to 3 years, starting earliest 01.06.2026; salaries are based on the German public sector remuneration system (TV-L, E13, 75%).

Application
We look forward to receiving your application. Please send one PDF file including:
CV, cover letter, contact information for two references, short project idea (max. 1 page) describing how you could contribute to the research project, portfolio of technical skills relevant to the project (max. 1/2 page) 

by 31.01.2026 via email to: michael.gerlt@bme.lth.se
 
with the subject line: PhD Application [Last Name].

Please note that submitted application documents cannot be returned.

Heidelberg University stands for equal opportunities and diversity. Qualified female candidates are especially invited to apply. Persons with severe disabilities will be given preference if they are equally qualified. Information on job advertisements and the collection of personal data is available at Heidelberg University Job Market