The Institute of Applied Physics at the University of Tübingen invites applications for a PhD position (goal: Dr. rer. nat.) to be filled by April 1, 2026, for a contract period of 3 years, as part (Project A4) of the interdisciplinary DFG Research Training Group RTG 2543 "Intraoperative multisensory tissue differentiation in oncology" (cooperation with the University Hospital Tübingen and the University of Stuttgart):
PhD Position in Physics / Medical Technology
“Differentiation of tissues based on their elastic properties”
(TV-L 13, 75 %)
Reliable identification of tissue (for example, for cancer screening) is important for surgical procedures. New procedures that are secure, fast and accurate could reduce operating time and preserve healthy tissue. The Research Training Group 2543 focuses on multimodal measurement methods for minimally invasive surgery.
This project will investigate how tissues’ mechanical properties can be used to differentiate between healthy and cancerous tissue. One of the project’s goals is to further develop the novel water-jet elastography technique, which measures tissue deformation caused by a water jet. This gentle technique enables tissue elasticity to be determined locally within seconds. Ultimately, the aim is to develop a sensor system for use in minimally invasive surgery. Additionally, cellular changes will be examined using optical and scanning probe microscopy (e.g., AFM and SICM).
Abb.: Measurement of tissue elasticity with flow of water
Qualifikation:
- Very good Master’s degree in Physics, Biophysics, Nanoscience, Medical Technology or similar
- Interest in sensor / biosensor technology
- Communication and team skills for working in an interdisciplinary environment
- High level of initiative and creativity
- Good English skills
The University of Tübingen wants to increase the proportion of women in the scientific field. Therefore, women are explicitly asked to apply. Full-time positions are fundamentally divisible. Handicapped applicants will be given preference if equally qualified. The setting is made by the central administration. Information on handling applicant data can be found at https://uni-tuebingen.de/einrichtungen/verwaltung/vi-personal-und-innere-dienste/personalabteilung/datenschutz-bei-bewerbungen/