Open PhD Position at iTERM

Department/Institute: Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (iTERM) (LMU & Helmholtz)
Subject area: Organoids, 3-D culture, 3-D imaging, bioprinting
Name of supervisor: Dr. Ali Ertürk
Number of open positions: 1
Project title: Development of functional, high-throughput organoid screening platform
Language requirements: Very good command of written and spoken English
Academic requirements: Masters or Diploma degree in Life Sciences or a related field
Contact: Dr. Ali Ertürk, erturk@helmoltz-muenchen.de

We are:
We develop and implement 3D imaging technologies to be able to generate the highest resolution views of whole mouse bodies and human organs. We bring together cutting-edge science from biology, chemistry, engineering, and computer applications. Our overarching aim is to obtain a holistic view on inter-connected biological systems in health and disease. We also develop deep learning-based algorithms to analyze large imaging and molecular data in a robust and unbiased way. Our research received high attention from high-profile scientific journals (Nature Methods Pan, Cai…Ertürk, 2016; Nature Neuroscience Cai, Pan…Ertürk 2018; Cell Pan, Schoppe…Ertürk, 2019; Cell Zhao…Ertürk, 2020; Nature Methods Todorov, Paetzold…Ertürk, 2020) and media including New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Süddeutsche Zeitung. You can find more about us at www.erturk-lab.com.

Project description:
We are seeking a highly motivated and talented PhD student to strengthen our tissue engineering team. This project involves developing 3D- tissue culture models from stem cells and patient-derived tissues and build a systemic framework for using organoid cultures in diverse areas, taking advantage of the interdisciplinary nature of our team which includes fields of biology, engineering and AI. The candidate will work on establishing a screening platform for high-throughput imaging of organoids. The student will also work together with other scientists in developing co-culture systems for long-term organoid culture, bioprinting and in vivo functionality assessments after whole-body imaging and AI-based analysis.

Your profile:

• Diploma or M.S. degree in a relevant Life Sciences field
• Cell culture experience with strong background in developing and maintaining -3D cultures/organoids is a plus
• Expertise in fluorescent microscopy and image analysis is appreciated
• Demonstrated aptitude to perform experimental protocols and procedures, including detailed data collection, and analysis
• Good communication skills in English, self-motivation, problem-solving and team player mentality
• Always willing to learn, and have the courage to ask questions when not clear
• Open to express opinions and receive feedback/critics
• Ability to work independently, as well as part of a team

Our Offer:
• Work in an innovative, well-equipped, global and scientifically stimulating research organization
• Gain insight into cutting edge technologies from biology to artificial intelligence
• Refine your personal development with further training opportunities