Master's Thesis: Surface Modification of Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Magnetic Extraction and Identification of Bacterial Pathogens

We are offering an exciting Master's thesis project for a motivated student interested in surface chemistry, material science, biochemistry and microbiology. The project will investigate the magnetic extraction of pathogens from complex matrices using peptide functionalized superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. The aim is to develop a strategy to minimize the release of resistant bacteria into the environment and also to explore applications in whole-blood infections in the context of sepsis diagnostics.

Starting in July 2026, the work will involve the synthesis of peptide functionalized SPIONs using EDC/S-NHS and click chemistry, their characterization and extraction experiments involving various clinically relevant pathogens in different media. The project will be conducted in a hospital-based research environment in close collaboration with the Section for Experimental Oncology and Nanomedicine (SEON).

Benefits: We Have a Lot To Offer

• Employment in an academic setting with interesting insights into research processes
• Valuable work experience
• Flexible hours

We Offer

• Hands-on experience with advanced chemistry and microbiological methods.
• Insight into the translation of research to clinical application.
• Supervision in an interdisciplinary academic and clinical environment.
• Opportunity to contribute to an innovative research project (publication prospect).
• Close interaction with both hospital-based and engineering research teams.
• Thorough onboarding process with a dedicated team
• Joint team activities
• Offices within comfortable walking distance of public transport
• Active health management

Your Tasks

Your Responsibilities

• Functionalization of SPIONs according to established laboratory protocols, as well as the investigation of a novel route based on click chemistry.
• Physicochemical characterization of obtained particles (AES, DLS, Zeta potential, FTIR, VSM/SQUID, etc.).
• Design and implementation of extraction protocols using clinically relevant pathogens in a hospital-based environment (e.g., quantification via qPCR and MALDI-TOF).

Your Profile

Your Profile

• Background in chemistry, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, biotechnology, or a related field.
• Basic understanding of chemistry, material science and microbiology
• Experience with nanoparticle synthesis, characterization methods and microbiological methods (e.g., work in sterile bench, plating, qPCR) is an advantage.
• Careful, reliable, and structured working style.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a collaborative research team.

Additional Information

Application

If you are interested, please send your CV and a short motivation letter to:

[email protected] and [email protected]