PhD Position (m/w/d) Bioanalytical Instrumentation for Self-Driving Labs.

Your mission

• Develop analytical instrumentation for self-driving laboratories that automate and optimize bioconjugation reactions.
• Design, build, and validate optical measurement modules for characterizing proteins, DNA/RNA, and small molecules, providing insight into reaction progress and product quality.
• Integrate your analytical modules into an automated platform combining robotics and sensor technology.
• Develop instrument control and data analysis software, with a focus on making measurements and experimental workflows accessible to AI-based tools.
• Implement machine learning approaches for closed-loop optimization, using experimental results to guide the selection of subsequent reaction conditions.
• Collaborate with researchers and industry partners, publish your findings, and work towards your PhD.

Your profile

• A Master’s degree in physics, engineering, physical chemistry, biophysics, or a related discipline, ideally with a focus on optics, analytical instrumentation, or laboratory automation.
• An interest in developing instruments at the interface of optics, bioanalytics, and laboratory automation.
• Practical experience in experimental work, ideally involving optical measurements, sensors, or instrument development.
• Programming skills, preferably in Python, and enthusiasm for connecting hardware, software, and data analysis.
• An interest in machine learning and AI-driven experimentation; previous experience is welcome.
• A hands-on approach, scientific curiosity, and the ability to work independently while contributing to an interdisciplinary team.
• Good communication skills in English and a willingness to explore topics beyond your own discipline.

Why us?

• Pursue a PhD in the nano-bio research group of KSI’s director Prof. Dr. Ulrich Rant, awarded by TU Dresden, one of Germany’s Universities of Excellence 
• Shape a new generation of self-driving laboratories for biomolecular research, from the first instrument concept to its application in automated experiments.
• Participate in an interdisciplinary research environment with close links to industry partners
• Work at the intersection of physical chemistry, engineering, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence.
• Contribute to collaborative projects with a clear path from scientific ideas to practical applications.
• Benefit from expertise in measurement and sensor technology and opportunities to develop your skills in instrumentation, programming, and machine learning.
• We offer compensation according to TV-L E13 (75%) and the use of the KSI-shuttle between Dresden and Meinsberg.