Join biointerfaces lab
FAU Students
Master’s Thesis: Surface Modification of Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Magnetic Extraction and Identification of Bacterial Pathogens.
We are offering an exciting Master’s thesis project for a motivated student interested in surface chemistry, material science, biochemistry and microbiology. The project will investigate the magnetic extraction of pathogens from complex matrices using peptide functionalized superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. The aim is to develop a strategy to minimize the release of resistant bacteria into the environment and also to explore applications in whole-blood infections in the context of sepsis diagnostics.
Starting in July 2026, the work will involve the synthesis of peptide functionalized SPIONs using EDC/S-NHS and click chemistry, their characterization and extraction experiments involving various clinically relevant pathogens in different media. The project will be conducted in a hospital-based research environment in close collaboration with the Section for Experimental Oncology and Nanomedicine (SEON).
Your Responsibilities
- Functionalization of SPIONs according to established laboratory protocols, as well as the investigation of a novel route based on click chemistry.
- Physicochemical characterization of obtained particles (AES, DLS, Zeta potential, FTIR, VSM/SQUID, etc.).
- Design and implementation of extraction protocols using clinically relevant pathogens in a hospital-based environment (e.g., quantification via qPCR and MALDI-TOF).
Your Profile
- Background in chemistry, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, biotechnology, or a related field.
- Basic understanding of chemistry, material science and microbiology
- Experience with nanoparticle synthesis, characterization methods and microbiological methods (e.g., work in sterile bench, plating, qPCR) is an advantage.
- Careful, reliable, and structured working style.
- Ability to work independently as well as in a collaborative research team.
We Offer
- Hands-on experience with advanced chemistry and microbiological methods.
- Insight into the translation of research to clinical application.
- Supervision in an interdisciplinary academic and clinical environment.
- Opportunity to contribute to an innovative research project (publication prospect).
- Close interaction with both hospital-based and engineering research teams.
Application
If you are interested, please send your CV and a short motivation letter to:contact-biointerfaces@fau.de and emily.hausen@uk-erlangen.de
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.
Contact us: contact-biointerfaces@fau.de
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