Scientist (f/m/d), PhD position on the development of microbiopsies for soft X-ray imaging

Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) – The Research University in the Helmholtz Association creates and imparts knowledge for the society and the environment. It is our goal to make significant contributions to mastering the global challenges of mankind in the fields of energy, mobility, and information. For this, about 10,000 employees of KIT cooperate in a broad range of disciplines in research, academic education, and innovation.

We are looking for the Institute of Microstructure Technology (IMT) as of February 1, 2026, limited up 3 years, for a

Scientist (f/m/d), PhD position on the development of microbiopsies for soft X-ray imaging
Part-time 75%

The ERC-funded Synergy project “NanoX: Nanoscale X-ray tissue imaging: understanding the pathophysiology of hepatitis E infection” combines the expertise of a diverse team with synergistic skills in infectious disease, physics, engineering, and structural biology to pioneer several technological innovations. At the heart of the project is the development of a targeted micro-biopsy tool for rapid tissue extraction, which is compatible with soft X-ray tomography and can be used in high biological risk facilities.

You will have the following tasks:

• Design and development of micro-scale biopsy components for biological tissue sampling
• Experimental validation of biopsy tools on tissue samples, including experiments at Synchrotron Facilities around the world
• Development and refinement of protocols for sample handling, design processes, testing outcomes, and system performance
• Presentation of research progress in project meetings and conferences, including publications and reports

The position offers the opportunity to pursue a part-time doctoral degree.

Personal qualification

• A successfully completed university degree (Master) in engineering, mechatronics, physics, biomedical engineering, or a related field
• Basic knowledge and ideally initial practical experience in microtechnologies, automation, and/or microscopy
• Interest in interdisciplinary research at the interface of engineering, life sciences, and industrial development
• Excellent analytical and experimental skills, as well as the willingness to familiarize yourself with complex technical systems
• Ability to collaborate in an interdisciplinary manner, particularly with industrial partners and research teams
• Good written and spoken English skills

Become a member of staff of the only German University of Excellence that conducts large-scale research on the national level. Work under excellent working conditions in an international environment and be active in research and academic education for our future. Benefit from specific train-ing when starting your job and from a wide range of further qualification offers. Use our flexi-ble working time models (flexitime, work from home), our sports and leisure offers, as well as our child and holiday care services. We also pay a share of EUR 25/month in the Job Ticket Baden-Württemberg. Enjoy a large variety of dishes, snacks, and beverages at our canteens.

We prefer to balance the number of employees (f/m/d). Therefore we kindly ask female applicants to apply for this job.

Recognized severely disabled persons will be preferred if they are equally qualified.

Please apply online until November 16, 2025 using the vacancy number 424/2025 to Ms Gätcke, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Human Resources, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany. For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Weinhardt, email: venera.weinhardt@kit.edu.

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KIT – The Research University in the Helmholtz Association