Master Thesis
Why NanoLab Graz?
What you can expect:
- A stimulating research environment equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for molecular and cell biology, cell culture, protein purification and characterization, as well as nanoparticle research and analysis.
- Hands-on experience in a high-impact field – learn and apply advanced laboratory techniques while contributing to the development of next-generation cancer therapies.
- Comprehensive supervision and mentorship – receive full support from our experienced research team throughout the project.
- Flexible start date – available immediately! The project duration is approximately 6 months.
Your opportunity:
Master’s thesis at NanoLab Graz offers not only valuable scientific insights but may also include a monthly payment as part of a minor employment arrangement, depending on your background and expertise.
Master’s Thesis in Yeast Technology – How to determine yeast vitality?
Students from related fields are also welcome to apply.
Are you looking for a Master’s thesis that combines protein design, cell biology, and direct industrial application? Do you want to work on a tool that makes the metabolic state of yeast cells visible – quickly and without genetic modification?
Join NanoLab Graz (Department of Medical Chemistry,
Otto Loewi Research Center) at the Medical University of Graz.
We are looking for a motivated BSc, MSc or Diploma student
to become part of our interdisciplinary research team.
Project
Development and validation of a novel approach for determining yeast viability.
Background
Assessing yeast viability is essential in brewing, baking and biotechnology.
However, current methods are often imprecise, time-consuming or limited to laboratory strains.
We are developing a new approach based on a recombinant protein that allows viability assessment without genetic modification of the yeast. This makes the method applicable to industrial and wild-type strains.
In this project you will
- Clone, express and purify a recombinant protein
- Functionally characterize the protein on living and dead yeast cells
- Perform measurements using flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy
- Compare and validate the sensor against established viability assays
Interested?
Become part of our team and help develop a new tool for determining the
physiological state of yeast cells.
Contact
Dr.-Ing. Marco Eigenfeld
marco.eigenfeld@medunigraz.at
Master’s Thesis in Nanoscience / Biophysics – Do magnetic nanoparticles exhibit collective behavior in flow?
Students from physics, chemistry, nanoscience, or related fields are welcome to apply.
Are you looking for a Master’s thesis that combines microfluidics, nanotechnology, and fundamental physics?
Do you want to investigate how magnetic nanoparticles behave under realistic flow conditions – and whether entirely new physical phenomena emerge?
Join NanoLab Graz (Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Otto Loewi Research Center) at the Medical University of Graz.
We are looking for a motivated BSc, MSc or Diploma student
to become part of our interdisciplinary research team.
Project
Experimental investigation of collective, non-equilibrium behavior of magnetic nanoparticles in microfluidic flow systems.
Background
Magnetic nanoparticles are widely used in biomedical and technological applications, from drug delivery to diagnostics. Their behavior is typically described using single-particle transport models. However, recent theoretical considerations suggest that under realistic flow conditions and external magnetic fields, these particles may exhibit collective, non-equilibrium dynamics that dominate system behavior.
Understanding whether such transitions from individual to collective dynamics occur is crucial, as it could challenge existing models and open new directions for controlling nanoparticle systems. This project contributes to a larger research vision aimed at establishing a new framework for magnetic nanoparticle behavior in flowing systems.
In this project you will
- Design and perform experiments using microfluidic channels with controlled laminar flow
- Investigate magnetic nanoparticles under externally applied magnetic fields
- Systematically vary parameters such as particle concentration, flow rate, and magnetic field strength
- Perform time-resolved optical measurements of particle distributions and flow patterns
- Quantitatively analyze transport behavior, fluctuations, and deviations from classical models
- Construct state diagrams identifying transitions from single-particle to collective behavior
Interested?
Become part of our team and contribute to answering a fundamental open question in nanoscience:
Do magnetic nanoparticles behave as independent entities – or do they form collective states under flow?
Your work will generate key preliminary data for a high-impact research project and help shape future developments in nanotechnology and microfluidics.
Contact
Dr. Sebastian Schwaminger
sebastian.schwaminger@medunigraz.at