PhD Position

PhD Position in Acoustofluidics and Biomedical Device Engineering (f/m/d)

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student to join the Biomedical Microfluidics group at Heidelberg University. You will develop ultrasound-driven microfluidic devices that isolate extracellular vesicles—small biological particles with considerable potential for disease diagnostics—from microlitre samples.

The project combines acoustic actuation, experimental instrumentation and microfluidic device development. You will investigate the physical principles underlying acoustic particle manipulation and translate these insights into reliable technologies for biomedical applications, including early cancer detection.

We particularly encourage applications from candidates with a background in electrical engineering. Candidates from mechanical engineering, physics, chemistry, biomedical engineering or related disciplines are also very welcome. Previous experience with extracellular vesicles or biological assays is not required.

Your tasks:

• Design, prototype and experimentally characterise microfluidic devices for extracellular vesicle enrichment.
• Investigate how acoustic frequency, power, device geometry and material properties influence particle trapping and separation.
• Integrate ultrasound transducers, electronic instrumentation and microfluidic components into functional experimental systems.
• Develop measurement and control routines to improve experimental reproducibility and device performance.
• Collaborate with colleagues in biology, chemistry and clinical research to evaluate the devices and connect them with downstream analytical methods.
• Communicate your findings through scientific publications and presentations at international conferences.

Your profile:

• A good master’s degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, chemistry, biomedical engineering or a related discipline.
• An interest in experimental research, physical mechanisms and the development of new technologies.
• Practical experience from coursework, research projects or a thesis in one or more relevant areas, such as electronics, instrumentation, acoustics, microfluidics, device fabrication or experimental physics.
• Programming or data-analysis experience, for example with Python or MATLAB, is advantageous.
• Experience with finite-element modelling, ultrasound transducers, microfabrication or rapid prototyping is welcome but not essential.
• Motivation to learn new methods and work at the interface of engineering and life sciences.
• Good communication skills in English, initiative and a collaborative approach.

You do not need experience in all of these areas. We value curiosity, a solid technical foundation and the motivation to develop your skills.

We offer:

• An interdisciplinary doctoral project connecting fundamental physical questions with biomedical applications.
• Access to microfabrication, acoustofluidic and bioanalytical facilities.
• Training in the experimental and analytical methods required for your project.
• Close supervision, scientific mentoring and opportunities to develop your own research ideas.
• Collaboration with researchers across engineering, physics, chemistry, biology and medicine.
• Support for conference participation and professional development.

Position details

The position is available for up to three years. Remuneration is based on the German public sector pay scale TV-L E13, 75%. The earliest possible starting date is 1 February 2027, with a later start possible by agreement.

Application

Please submit the following documents merged into one single PDF file:

• Your CV.
• A short motivation letter explaining your interest in the project and relevant experience.
• Academic transcripts.
• Contact details for two referees.

You are welcome to include a brief example of a relevant technical or research project within the same PDF.

Please send your application by 30 November 2026 to michael.gerlt@imseam.uni-heidelberg.de, using the following subject line and replacing the placeholder with your surname:

PhD Application – [Last Name]

Applications that do not use the specified subject line or whose documents are not merged into a single PDF will not be read.

Informal enquiries about the position are welcome.

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