Heidelberg University is inviting applications for a PhD position in Acoustofluidics and Biomedical Device Engineering. The successful candidate will join the Biomedical Microfluidics Group to develop ultrasound-driven devices designed to isolate extracellular vesicles from microlitre samples for disease analysis, including cancer research.
Overview Table
| Designation | PhD Position (f/m/d) |
| Research Area | Acoustofluidics, Microfluidics, and Biomedical Device Engineering |
| Location | Heidelberg, Germany |
| Duration | Up to 3 years (75% position) |
| Remuneration | Pay grade 13 (75%) TV-L collective agreement |
| Application Deadline | 03 December 2026 |
Designation
PhD Position in Acoustofluidics and Biomedical Device Engineering (f/m/d).
Research Area
The project focuses on the intersection of electronics, acoustics, and microfluidics. Specifically, the research involves studying how acoustic fields trap and separate particles for downstream biological analysis.
Location
Heidelberg University, Germany.
Scholarship Description
The PhD candidate will be responsible for building and testing prototype microfluidic devices for vesicle enrichment. Key tasks include:
- Measuring how acoustic frequency, power, and channel geometry affect particle trapping.
- Combining ultrasound transducers, electronics, and microfluidic components into a working system.
- Writing control routines and testing device reproducibility.
- Collaborating with biologists, chemists, and clinical researchers to evaluate devices.
- Publishing findings and presenting at international conferences.
Eligibility/Qualification
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- A strong Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field (Electrical Engineers are particularly welcome).
- Hands-on experience in electronics, instrumentation, acoustics, microfluidics, or experimental physics.
- Interest in learning new methods and curiosity about underlying physics.
- Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for data analysis is an advantage.
- Experience with finite-element modelling or microfabrication is beneficial.
- Good communication skills in English and an interest in interdisciplinary teamwork.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should email their application to michael.gerlt@imseam.uni-heidelberg.de. The application must be submitted as a single merged PDF file including:
- A comprehensive CV.
- A short letter outlining motivation and relevant experience.
- Academic transcripts.
- Contact details for two referees.
- Optional: A brief example of a relevant technical or research project.
Note: Use the subject line “PhD Application – [Your Last Name]”. Only applications following these specific instructions will be reviewed.
Last Date for Apply
The deadline for applications is 03 December 2026. The earliest start date is 01 February 2027.
Apply Link
For more information, visit the official job portal: Heidelberg University Job Market
