Career Opportunities

Join biointerfaces lab

PhD Position in Neurobiology – ERC Project on Wireless Neural Control

The Biointerfaces Lab at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate with a strong background in neurobiology or neuroscience to join an ERC-funded research project focused on wireless control and recording of neural signalling using magnetic nanomaterials.

Our research develops magnetic nanointerfaces that convert external magnetic fields into mechanical or electrical stimuli, enabling wireless modulation of cellular signalling and neuronal activity. The project investigates signalling mechanisms in the central nervous system and explores new strategies for minimally invasive neuromodulation and neural recording.

The work lies at the intersection of neurobiology, neurophysiology, biomaterials, and neurotechnology, within a highly interdisciplinary team combining expertise in nanomaterials, neurobiology, and neural interfaces.

Your tasks

• Establish and maintain primary neural culture and slice systems and related neurobiological models

• Perform immunofluorescence staining and advanced fluorescence microscopy

• Investigate neuronal and astrocytic signalling in CNS systems

• Study wireless modulation of neural activity using magnetic nanomaterials trough calcium imaging and MRI dynamics

• Contribute to functional assays and neural recording experiments

• Collaborate closely with researchers in materials science and bioengineering

Required qualifications

• Masters degree in neuroscience, neurobiology, biomedicine, or a related field

• Experience with cell culture, ideally primary neuronal cultures and acute/organotypic slices

• Experience with immunofluorescence and fluorescence imaging

• A good understanding of neurophysiology and neuronal signalling

Desired experience

• Calcium imaging

• Patch-clamp electrophysiology

• Multi-electrode array (MEA) recordings

• Work with CNS or PNS experimental models

We offer

• Participation in a high-impact ERC research project

• A highly interdisciplinary and international research environment

• Access to advanced methods in nanomaterials, imaging, and neurophysiology

• Training at the interface of neurobiology and emerging neurotechnologies

• Close supervision and strong integration into a dynamic research team at FAU

Application

Applicants should send one pdf file with:

• CV

• motivation letter

• a short outline of research interests within the PhD position

via https://www.jobs.fau.de/jobs/ or to contact-biointerfaces@fau.de

Please also include the names and contact details of three referees, who may be contacted directly by the appointment committee.

Deadline

Submit your application by April 19^th 2026.

For additional information please to contact contact-biointerfaces@fau.de

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FAU Students

Master’s Thesis: Coil Design for Magnetic Nanoparticle Stimulation

We are developing an experimental platform for remote stimulation of neural tissue using magnetoelectric nanoparticles. By applying alternating magnetic fields, these nanoparticles transduce magnetic energy into local electrical or mechanical stimuli, enabling wireless, non-contact neuromodulation.

We are looking for a highly motivated Master’s student with a background in engineering, physics, or a related field to support an experimental research project that uses alternating magnetic fields to stimulate magnetic nanoparticles. A key challenge is that coils heat up when generating sufficiently strong fields, which can disturb temperature-sensitive experiments. Your task will be to develop coil designs with an optimized temperature profile while meeting magnetic field requirements.

Your mission

Design and optimize coil geometries that generate the required AC magnetic field at the sample while minimizing coil temperature rise.
Build coupled electromagnetic COMSOL models (Magnetic Fields + Heat Transfer, optionally convection).
Evaluate trade-offs between field strength, homogeneity, frequency, power loss, and heating.

Your skills

Experience with COMSOL or comparable simulation software and AC electromagnetics, high-frequency loss modeling, and heat transfer.
Comfortable working independently and documenting results clearly.

What we offer

Hands-on work on an active research topic in wireless magnetic stimulation.
A highly interdisciplinary research environment at the interface of engineering, materials science, and neuroscience
Access to a 3D printer and electronics lab.
Active collaboration with an electronics research group at a partner European institute.

How to apply

Send a short paragraph describing your experience with electromagnetic or multiphysics simulation software (e.g., COMSOL, ANSYS, CST, or similar tools), CV (1–2 pages) to: contact-biointerfaces@fau.de

Master Thesis: Synthesis of Magnetic Nanotubes

The Biointerfaces Labs (Prof. Dr. Danijela Gregurec) is offering a Master Thesis in the field of synthesis of magnetic nanomaterials. Anisotropic geometries in magnetic nanostructures have been described by our group (Gregurec et al., 2021) with properties highly desirable for application in mechanical neuromodulation. Spindle or tube shape like nanoparticles represent promising candidates, as their rotation can be induced through external magnetic field stress, while still presenting a favorable shape for biological applications. The thesis will focus on the optimization of a hydrothermal reaction for the synthesis of nanotubes and nanospindles. The candidate will characterize the material and is expected to obtain a sound knowledge of crystal phase identification (QualX software, cell parameters calculations, Gaussian/Lorentzian fitting, etc.), magnetization curve analysis, and hands-on experience in sample preparation as well as basic TEM operation. The ideal candidate should have background in chemical synthesis and/or material science and a genuine interest in protocol development in material production, as well as an open-minded mentality, to work in a highly international and interdisciplinary team. This master thesis is integrated into a multidisciplinary project developing novel approaches for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, funded by the European Union’s European Innovation Council HORIZON-EIC-PATHFINDER program.

Master thesis: Calcium imaging for assessing magnetoelectric nanoparticle actuation on neurons

The Biointerfaces Lab (Prof. Dr. Danijela Gregurec) is offering a Master Thesis project in the field of nanotechnology and neuro-stimulation. The project aims to demonstrate the functionality of magnetoelectric nanoparticles in vitro. Experiments will be performed using fluorescence microscopy techniques to track calcium flux during induced cellular stimulation. The candidate will acquire comprehensive understanding on magnetoelectric materials and ion channel activation, hands on experience in primary cell cultures of hippocampal neurons as well as a direct handling of a fluorescence microscope and image processing. Ideally the MSc candidate should have a background in cultivation of cells and previous experience on microscopy (optical or fluorescent), as well as an open-minded mentality, to work in a highly international and interdisciplinary team. This master thesis is integrated into a multidisciplinary project developing novel approaches for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, funded by the European Union’s European Innovation Council HORIZON-EIC-PATHFINDER program.

If you are interested in working with us, don’t hesitate to reach out to join Biointerfaces lab as student assistant (HiWi) as well as for thesis work and practicals.

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Did not find the right job for you? We are always looking for talented individuals to join our team. If you are interested in working with us, please get in touch: contact-biointerfaces@fau.de