At the Leibniz Institute of Photonics Technology (Leibniz IPHT) we are looking in the Research Department Spectroscopy and Imaging, work group Biospectroscopy and Bioassay for a

Master Thesis (m/f/d)

Topic: Raman Spectroscopic Investigation of Immune Cell Responses to Pathogenic Stimuli

Raman spectroscopy is a highly sensitive analytical technique capable of detecting small biochemical changes within cells. In this project, Raman spectroscopy will be applied to investigate the response of immune cells after interacting with bacterial and viral pathogens. The aim of this thesis is to characterize and differentiate the biochemical responses of blood immune cells upon interaction with inactivated bacterial and viral agents. By analyzing Raman spectral signatures, the study seeks to reveal how different immune cell subtypes react, potentially contributing to a deeper understanding of immune mechanisms and pathogen recognition.

Your field of activity includes:

• Preparation and handling of blood samples
• Exposure of cells to inactivated bacterial and viral pathogens
• Raman spectroscopic investigations
• Statistical analysis and interpretation of spectral data

Your qualification:

The student should be from Natural Science background.

Desired knowledge and 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

This thesis offers a unique opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary research with practical applications in biomedical diagnostics and immune profiling. Training and supervision will be provided throughout the project, and students are encouraged to develop both their experimental and analytical skills.

If you are interested in the position please contact:

1. Dr. Anuradha Ramoji, E-mail: anuradha.ramoji@uni-jena.de , Phone: 03641-9390926
2. Dr. Aikaterini Pistiki, E-mail: aikaterini.pistiki@uni-jena.de, Phone: 03641-948329

Application:

Simply apply via our job portal (https://www.leibniz-ipht.de/en/institute/career/job-portal/) or send your application with the usual documents (CV, certificates, reference addresses) by e-mail, preferably as one pdf file, quoting reference number 1391 to the:

Leibniz-Institute of Photonic Technology Jena e. V.

Human Resources

Albert-Einstein-Straße 9, 07745 Jena

E-Mail: Personal_Abtl@leibniz-ipht.de

Reference Number: 1391