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PhD Position - Quantifying Sperm Dynamics

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Are you eager to pursue a doctoral project that bridges scientific disciplines? Are you excited by complex challenges that demand interdisciplinary solutions? Are you fascinated by swimming in the microcosmos? Do you care for making the world a better place? Then Sperm Dynamics is for you! In this collaborative project you have the opportunity to learn biology and physics alike, while working to reduce animal suffering and simultaneously increasing farming efficiency. Inspired by the natural fertilization process, the "Sexing by Self-Propulsion" (SEB) project is developing a new platform technology for determining the sex in animal farming by sorting the sperm. The project uses differences in the movement patterns of X and Y sperm to separate them without the traditional methods of DNA labeling with fluorescent dyes. The innovative approach relies on microfluidic structures in which the sperm can self-sort based on minimal differences in movement. If successful, sever animal suffering like neutering of piglets or neglect of calfs can be avoided.

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Information on the application process and an overview of FAQs can be foundhere

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Your Job:

This work will be performed as part of an agile team unified by a common goal: An Industry partner from semen production provides fresh sperm cells and pre-analysis. A second industry partner from data sciences provides data management and AI based Image analysis, an internal simulations group working on quantitative models to reproduce and predict experimental data, and an internal experiments group (You+Supervisor+support by lab). These collaborations enable practically relevant and breakthrough results.

This team goal requires initially videomicroscopy of X-Y fluorescently labeled sperm cells to develop a quantitative model. Once established, predicted separation mechanisms need to be tested. You will perform these experiments.

Your tasks will include:

Adapt existing DNA labeling protocols to our Workflow
Performing microscopy experiments on sperm dynamics under various controlled environmental conditions.
Merging experimental results, simulations, and literature for optimal conditions inducing movement differences, in collaboration with the team.
Testing proposed separation techniques
Participation in conferences in Germany and abroad (incl. presenting your research results)
Travel to industry partners to learn and set up on-site research
Preparing scientific publications and project reports

Your Profile:

Strong motivation for an interdisciplinary project that combines physics and biology together with simulation and data science and practical relevance
A master`s degree or diploma in biophysics, biology, biochemistry, or other relevant discipline
Excellent written and spoken English skills
High degree of independence and commitment
Experience in relevant work tasks are advantageous but not mandatory: Wet-Lab work, ideally with sperm cells and/or labelling, Different forms of microscopy, Programming

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree:

EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH: As one of Europe’s largest and most multidisciplinary research centres, Forschungszentrum Jülich provides access to world-class infrastructure and a vibrant international scientific community.
INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENT: Work in an experienced and friendly international research team with strong expertise in biophysics and soft matter.
INDUSTRY COLLABORATION: Benefit from direct integration into a science-industry collaboration with practical relevance
HIGH-PERFORMANCE COMPUTING: Leverage cutting-edge computational resources, including access to top European supercomputers on site.
STATE-OF-THE-ART INFRASTRUCTURE: Enjoy excellent scientific and technical infrastructure — both within the group and across the entire research campus.
NETWORKING: Participate in (international) conferences and project meetings
SUPERVISION & SUPPORT: Receive continuous professional guidance and support from your scientific supervisors
WORK-LIFE BALANCE: The option of flexible working (in terms of location) is generally available after consultation and in line with upcoming tasks and (on-site) appointments
VACATION: You will receive 30 days of vacation plus additional days off (e.g. between Christmas and New Year`s)
FIXED-TERM: The position is limited to 3 years
FAIR REMUNERATION: Depending on your qualifications and assigned responsibilities, you will be classified according to pay group 13 (75%) of the TVöD-Bund. Additionally, you will receive a special payment (“Christmas bonus”) amounting to 60% of one month’s salary. All information about the TVöD-Bund collective agreement can be found on the BMI website (pay scale table on page 66 of the PDF download): https://go.fzj.de/bmi.tvoed
SUPPORT FOR INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEES: Our International Advisory Service makes it easier for international employees to get started

In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer you much more: https://go.fzj.de/benefits

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.

The following links provide further information on diversity and equal opportunities: https://go.fzj.de/equality and on specific support options: https://go.fzj.de/womens-job-journey

We look forward to receiving your application. The job will be advertised until the position has been successfully filled. You should therefore submit your application as soon as possible.

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If your questions have not yet been answered via ourFAQs, please send us a message via ourcontact form.

Please note that for technical reasons we cannot accept applications by e-mail.

Last Modified:31.10.2025

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PhD-Position - Quantifying Sperm Dynamics

PhD-Position - Quantifying Sperm Dynamics