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• Job Announcement // microfluidic engineer/specialist/scientist

  The Center for Molecular Fingerprinting (CMF, www.mukkozpont.hu ) is developing cutting-edge femtosecond laser technologies to advance electric-field molecular fingerprinting techniques based on field-resolved infrared spectroscopy. The laser spectrometers developed at CMF will be utilized in large scale clinical studies to target disease detection (www.lasers4life.de/) and (www.h4h.hu). To this end, human samples along with clinical information have been collected to perform high-throughput measurements that will encompass several tens of thousands of sample measurements per year within the CMF laboratories. The research is performed in close collaboration with the ATTOWORLD (www.attoworld.de) led by last years´ Nobel laureate Prof. Krausz at the Ludwig Maximillians Universität München (LMU) and the Max-Planck Institute of Quantum Optics (MPQ). The aim of the CMF operations is to apply next-generation laser spectrometers for the analysis of human blood samples to non-invasively detect disease and monitor health.

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  The professional will work in a highly international and interdisciplinary team in direct collaboration with laser scientists and engineers from CMF and LMU at the Laboratory for Extreme Photonics on the research campus in Garching, north of Munich.
  We are seeking candidates interested in the development and implementation of automated sample handling microfluidics-based platforms for high-throughput and reproducible sample screening in microscale flow through channels/chambers (microfluidic devices), as well as their integration with infrared spectroscopy-based measuring systems. This will allow infrared spectroscopy to be effectively applied to obtain label-free chemical information about the sample to investigate human blood-based bioliquids and cellular metabolites.

  The goal is to support and further develop the following three projects:

  1. 1. Infrared fingerprinting of human blood-based bioliquids for disease detection.
  2. 2. Coupling of liquid chromatography to infrared spectroscopy to increase the specificity of the above-mentioned application.
  3. 3. High-throughput infrared measurements of cellular metabolites (i.e., label-free flow cytometry).

  The goal of this position is to automatize sample handling microfluidics-based platforms and integrate them together with spectrometer measurement systems. A special focus lies on the high-throughput, reproducibility and control of such complex systems with a special focus on automation, reliable data acquisition and user-friendly operation.

  Responsibilities:

  1. The main subject will be to develop and implement automated sample handling microfluidics-based platforms for high-throughput and reproducible sample screening, as well as to integrate these platforms together with laser-based field-resolved spectroscopy;
  2. Writing reports and presenting the results of scientific work;
  3. Identification and establishment of potential collaborations that can help to further develop the above-mentioned projects.

  Required qualifications:

  1. Master’s or doctoral degree (or equivalent) in microfluidics, automation, physics, biology, chemistry or related fields;
  2. Minimal 2 years of relevant experience with microfluidics-based platform development and implementation is required;
  3. Computer skills sufficient for being able to process and present acquired results;
  4. Experience with automation hardware and software;
  5. Experience with pressure-driven systems, flow and pressure sensors is advantageous;
  6. Experience with sample handling systems/robots is advantageous;
  7. Experience in building optical systems or microscopy is advantageous;
  8. Experience with NI LabVIEW and/or programming languages (Python/C++) is advantageous;
  9. The ability to work in an international and multicultural team;
  10. The ability to quickly adapt to a changing environment;
  11. Strong motivation and ability to work independently but also well equipped for collaboration to achieve goals of mentioned multidisciplinary projects, as well as respect timelines and managing structure;
  12. Team-spirited and like to share your results and current challenges with the team;
  13. Quick learning and good communication skills, excellence in expressing in English, both orally and in written form and command of German and/or Hungarian is advantageous;
  14. Excellent planning skills, with a responsible mindset while keeping a high level of flexibility due to a changing environment.

  We offer:

  1. A broad range of activities in a dynamically evolving second-to-none endeavor and professional environment;
  2. Long-term opportunity with highly qualified and motivated professionals;
  3. A versatile range of work packages (cafeteria, performance incentives, professional training, guaranteed 30 days of annual vacation days for the whole year);
  4. Occasional home office;
  5. Work in an international and multicultural environment and the opportunity for professional development;
  6. Solution-oriented atmosphere and the opportunity to participate in the success of a dynamic and growing organization.

  The location of the position is The Campus Garching (Hochschul- und Forschungszentrum Garching), north of Munich, Germany.

  Contact:

  Dr. Alexander Weigel
  Email: alexander.weigel@mpq.mpg.de

  Dr. Igor Kukhtevich
  Email: igor.kukhtevich@lmu.de

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