Postdoc position

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

We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the Biomedical Microfluidics group at Heidelberg University. You will develop ultrasound-driven microfluidic technologies for isolating and analysing extracellular vesicles from microlitre samples, with applications in disease diagnostics and biomedical research.

The project combines acoustic actuation, experimental instrumentation and microfluidic device development. You will investigate the physical mechanisms underlying acoustic particle manipulation and translate these insights into reliable experimental systems and separation technologies.

We particularly encourage applications from researchers with a background in electrical engineering. Candidates from mechanical engineering, physics, chemistry, biomedical engineering or related disciplines are also very welcome if they bring relevant experimental and quantitative expertise. Previous experience with extracellular vesicles or biological assays is not required.

Your tasks

• Independently design, develop and experimentally characterise acoustofluidic devices for extracellular vesicle enrichment and separation.
• Investigate how acoustic actuation, device geometry and material properties influence particle manipulation and device performance.
• Integrate ultrasound transducers, electronic instrumentation and microfluidic components into functional experimental systems.
• Develop measurement, control and automation routines to improve reproducibility and evaluate device performance quantitatively.
• Collaborate with researchers in chemistry, biology and clinical research to connect device development with biological validation and downstream analysis.
• Lead scientific publications, present your findings at international conferences and contribute to the supervision of doctoral and master’s students.

Your profile

• A PhD in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, chemistry, biomedical engineering or a related discipline.
• Strong experience in developing and characterising experimental systems.
• Expertise in one or more relevant areas, such as ultrasound or acoustics, transducers, electronic instrumentation, microfluidics, microsystems or device fabrication.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with the ability to plan experiments independently and critically interpret results.
• Programming and data-analysis experience, for example with Python or MATLAB, is highly desirable.
• Experience with experimental automation, finite-element modelling or microfabrication is advantageous.
• Excellent communication skills in English and the motivation to collaborate across disciplines and support junior researchers.

You do not need experience in all of these areas. We welcome applicants who bring strong transferable expertise and are motivated to apply it to acoustofluidic technologies.

We offer

• An interdisciplinary research project connecting fundamental physical questions with biomedical applications.
• Scientific independence and opportunities to develop your own research ideas within the project.
• Access to microfabrication, acoustofluidic and bioanalytical facilities.
• Collaboration with researchers across engineering, physics, chemistry, biology and medicine.
• Opportunities to gain supervision and project leadership experience.
• Support for career development, conference participation and international networking.

Position details

The position is available for up to two years. Remuneration is based on the German public sector pay scale TV-L E13, 100%. 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, including your publication list.
• A short motivation letter explaining your interest in the project and relevant expertise.
• 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:

Postdoc 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 through the .