Career Opportunities

Join biointerfaces lab

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FAU Students

Master Thesis: Evaluation of activity of new Sesquiterpenoid modulators on the TRPV1 ion channels and their role in neuronal chemoreception

The thesis will include evaluation of solubility and biocompatibility of caryophyllene, caryolanol and three caryolanol derivatives (acetate, amide and thiol), followed by the dose-response study of the TRPV1 activity isolated in HEK293 cells. If the time allows, the model system will be evaluated in primary neurons.

The new Sesquiterpenoid modulators are derivatives of caryolanol, which is formed in the body during digestion from caryophyllene and modulates GABA_A receptors. Caryolanol and its derivatives could also be promising modulators of the TRPV1 ion channel and may have important role in controlling neuronal processes, such as pain reception.

Figure 1: Structure of caryophyllene, caryolanol and the three caryolanol derivatives (acetate, amide and thiol).

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