PhD Position - Quantifying Sperm Dynamics

PhD Position - Quantifying Sperm Dynamics

3 weeks ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Your Job: This work will be performed as part of an agile team unified by a common goal: An industry partner from semen production provides fresh sperm cells and pre‑analysis. A second industry partner from data sciences provides data management and AI‑based image analysis, an internal simulations group working on quantitative models to reproduce and predict experimental data, and an internal experiments group (you + supervisor + lab support). These collaborations enable practically relevant and breakthrough results. This team goal requires initially videomicroscopy of X‑Y fluorescently labeled sperm cells to develop a quantitative model. Once established, predicted separation mechanisms need to be tested and you will perform these experiments.

Your tasks will include:

• Adapt existing DNA labeling protocols to our workflow.
• Perform microscopy experiments on sperm dynamics under various controlled environmental conditions.
• Merge experimental results, simulations, and literature for optimal conditions inducing movement differences, in collaboration with the team.
• Test proposed separation techniques.
• Participate in conferences in Germany and abroad (including presenting your research results).
• Travel to industry partners to learn and set up on‑site research.
• Prepare scientific publications and project reports.

Your Profile:

• Strong motivation for an interdisciplinary project that combines physics and biology together with simulation and data science and practical relevance.
• A master’s degree or diploma in biophysics, biology, biochemistry, or another relevant discipline.
• Excellent written and spoken English skills.
• A high degree of independence and commitment.
• Experience in relevant work tasks is advantageous but not mandatory: wet‑lab work, ideally with sperm cells and/or labelling, different forms of microscopy, programming.

Our Offer:

• Excellence in research: As one of Europe’s largest and most multidisciplinary research centres, Forschungszentrum Jülich provides access to world‑class infrastructure and a vibrant international scientific community.
• International environment: Work in an experienced and friendly international research team with strong expertise in biophysics and soft matter.
• Industry collaboration: Benefit from direct integration into a science‑industry collaboration with practical relevance.
• High‑performance computing: Leverage cutting‑edge computational resources, including access to top European supercomputers on site.
• State‑of‑the‑art infrastructure: Enjoy excellent scientific and technical infrastructure — both within the group and across the entire research campus.
• Networking: Participate in international conferences and project meetings.
• Supervision & support: Receive continuous professional guidance and support from your scientific supervisors.
• Work‑life balance: The option of flexible working (in terms of location) is generally available after consultation and in line with upcoming tasks and on‑site appointments.
• Vacation: You will receive 30 days of vacation plus additional days off (e.g., between Christmas and New Year’s).
• Fixed‑term: The position is limited to 3 years.
• Fair remuneration: Depending on your qualifications and assigned responsibilities, you will be classified according to pay group 13 (75 %) of the TVöD‑Bund. Additionally, you will receive a special payment (“Christmas bonus”) amounting to 60 % of one month’s salary. All information about the TVöD‑Bund collective agreement can be found on the BMI website (pay scale table on page 66 of the PDF download):
• Support for international employees: Our International Advisory Service makes it easier for international employees to get started.

In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer you much more:

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g., in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us. The following links provide further information on diversity and equal opportunities: on specific support options: