2026 Doctoral Position on Microfluidic on-site qPCR for RNA Analysis of Trees at the University of Freiburg

The CRC 1537 - ECOSENSE invites applications for a doctoral researcher position at the Laboratory for MEMS Applications Doctoral position on Microfluidic on-site qPCR for RNA analysis of trees.

Within ECOSENSE you will develop the technical concept for on-site qPCR monitoring, including the design, simulation, and manufacturing of microfluidic cartridges. You will experimentally evaluate these systems in the laboratory and transfer the setup to the ECOSENSE forest to ensure operation under variable field conditions. Your research will focus on optimizing cartridge design for robustness, reagent integration, and minimal user intervention to enable reliable RNA extraction and amplification from environmental samples. You will work on hardware and software architectures that allow for autonomous sensing throughout a growing season. Finally, you will contribute to data analysis and help identify spatio-temporal stress hotspots based on the molecular data generated.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Documents
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineMay 15, 2026
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorUniversity of Freiburg
• City to studyBaden-Württemberg
• School to studyUniversity of Freiburg
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• An exciting interdisciplinary topic with a high socio-ecological impact
• A salary according to TV-L E13 (100 %)
• Contracts will initially run for three years with an option of extension until the end of the CRC’s second phase, which will be June 2030.
• Modern laboratory equipment and a highly qualified, multicultural team, which will cooperate with you and support you along your professional growth.

Requirements

• You hold a Master's degree in Microsystems Engineering, Bioengineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Skills in CAD design or experimental evaluation of biochemical measurements.
• Experience in microfluidics, lab-on-a-chip technologies, or the automation of biological workflows.
• Proficiency in programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB) or data analysis is a plus.
• Excellent English skills
• Great enthusiasm for working in a large interdisciplinary project and interest in collaborative research
• Drivers license is a plus

Application Documents

• Letter of application
• CV
• Credentials

Check also:
2026 Fully Funded Humboldt Research Fellowship
2026 Konrad Adenauer Foundation Scholarship

Application Deadline

How To Apply

• Please send your application in English including supporting documents, citing the reference number 00004915 in written or electronic form via the Application portal of the University of Freiburg.

For more information, kindly visit the University of Freiburg webpage.