PHD CANDIDATE IN THE RESEARCH DEPARTMENT NANOOPTICS (F/M/D) IN JENA

The Leibniz Institute of Photonics Technology (Leibniz IPHT) offers the following position in the Research Department Nanooptics for a part-time (65%) position, starting October 1st 2025:

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Join the Research Department of Nanooptics (FA Nanooptik) at Leibniz-IPHT for an exciting opportunity in chiroptical imaging innovation. The primary research objective is to develop a polarization microscopy system for imaging chiral domains, utilizing either circular dichroism (CD) or fluorescence-detected circular dichroism (FDCD).
Chirality is a fundamental characteristic of nearly all biological species, from DNA and proteins to the microstructures of biopolymers. The ability to detect and image the spatial distribution of chiral entities at ultra-low concentrations and accurately determine their handedness is vital for fundamental research in chemical biology, as well as for applications in the pharmaceutical industry and biomedical analysis. For over a decade, FA Nanooptik has concentrated its research efforts on enhancing chiroptical detection through rationally designed nanostructures and on the development of fast, sub-diffraction-limited imaging methods for visualizing chiral domains. This PhD position aims at conducting research in chiroptical imaging and developing a polarization microscopy system optimized for rapid chiral domain imaging.
The initial stage of the project involves constructing a home-built single-wavelength CD system and integrating it with a scanning laser microscope to enable CD imaging at that wavelength. In the second stage, the system will be extended to support hyperspectral CD imaging (broadband CD imaging). The third stage will aim to extend the system’s capabilities from solely CD imaging to a dual-function platform incorporating both CD and FDCD imaging. The long-term goal is to develop a compact, home-built system for sub-wavelength chiral domain imaging and prototype it as a table-top instrument. Proficiency in using LabView or Python to develop control programs for coordinating various components of the experimental setup is a must. These components include, but are not limited to, interfacing with photo-elastic modulators, laser-driven xenon lamps, monochromators, scanning and rotational stages, lock-in amplifiers, spectrometers, and photon detectors. Hands-on experience in constructing scanning laser microscope systems is also a prerequisite. The completed system will be suitable for chiral domain imaging of biological specimens and chiral polymer materials. Given the innovative nature of the project, the resulting prototype holds strong commercialization potential and may lead to patentable outcomes.

QUALIFICATION:

• Master’s degree or the equivalent in physics, photonics or biophotonics

HANDS-ON EXPERIENCES IN ONE OF THE FOLLOWINGS:

• LabView, Python, or similar coding languages for instrumental control
• Building up a complete laser microscopy and spectroscopy
• 3D graphics creation software (Blender, SketchUp, 3ds Max, etc.)

DESIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Experiences with using AI as tool for developing microscopy system
• Having published papers in scientific journals is greatly desired
• Good English communication skills
• Ability to work independently and to collaborate with interdisciplinary scientists

ABOUT US:

We are a modern, internationally focused research institute. Work-life balance is one of our central concerns. We value diversity and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of gender, disability, nationality or ethnic and social origin. If women are underrepresented in the area of the advertised position, they will be given preferential consideration in the hiring process if they are equally qualified.

• Constructing a home-built polarization microscope for CD imaging at a single wavelength
• Constructing a hyperspectral CD imaging microscope system
• Constructing a dual-function microscope for both CD and FDCD imaging
• Regular progress report, publish research results in conferences and journals
• Supporting research-related activities of Leibniz IPHT, such as exhibition in scientific workshops