"PhD position at the intersection of optics, molecular biology and biophysics"

We, the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, are one of 84 institutes and research centers of the Max Planck Society (MPG) for the advancement of science. Our focus is on basic medical research. We currently employ around 270 people in science and administration, mainly at our location in Heidelberg. Another location for our institute is currently being established in Heilbronn. We are also part of the Health + LifeScience Alliance Heidelberg Mannheim, an association of the region's leading life science research institutions.

The MPG strives for gender equality and diversity. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. As the MPG has set itself the goal of employing more people with severe disabilities, applications from people with severe disabilities are expressly welcome. In addition, the MPG wants to increase the proportion of women in areas where they are underrepresented. Women are therefore expressly encouraged to apply.

The Department of Prof. Dr. Stefan W. Hell invites applications for a

PhD position at the intersection of optics, molecular biology and biophysics

Opportunities are available in Göttingen or Heidelberg for motivated physicists who are interested in working in a world-leading research group. The candidate can apply for admission to the Max Planck School of Photonics or Göttingen Graduate Center for Neurosciences, Biophysics, and Molecular Biosciences (GGNB).

The MINFLUX and MINSTED concepts have unlocked the door to minimally invasive, low-light-level analysis of the structure and dynamics of macromolecules at the nanometer scale. This includes experiments at 1‑nm resolution and with Ångström measurement precision. The successful candidate will work on next‑generation MINFLUX optical instrumentation.

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in Physics, Biophysics or similar.
• Ability to work independently and within a team.
• Attention to detail and high level of critical thinking.
• Experience with photonics, fluorescence, imaging or biochemical methods is helpful.

OUR OFFER

• Highly motivated team
• Flexible working hours
• World-class institute with an outstanding working environment

The payment is based on the TVöD guidelines ("Promotions­fördervertrag"). The PhD positions are limited to three years with a possibility of extension.

YOUR APPLICATION

We look forward to receiving your application, including letter of motivation, CV and transcripts via the portal in electronic format no later than 30th September, 2025. Please note, applications received via email cannot be considered, we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

CONTACT

For further information, please contact Dr. Jade Cottam Jones (jade.cottamjones@mr.mpg.de).

For general questions, please contact Ms. Sabrina Giacalone (sabrina.giacalone@mr.mpg.de) from human resources.

Max Planck Institute for Medical Research
Jahnstraße 29
69120 Heidelberg
Germany

www.mr.mpg.de/en
Bluesky: @mpi-mr.bsky.social