Master Thesis Project

“Design and Characterization of a Nanosensor for In Vivo Turgor Measurements in Plant Cells”

The turgor of plant cells is crucial for plant stability and survival. Environmental cues such as drought or altered osmotic pressure lead to the change in turgor pressure having many functional consequences for the plant cell.

Therefore, the monitoring of the turgor pressure in the living plant cell is of great interest However, there is presently no technique to follow turgor changes in real time in living plant cells at cellular resolution.

Based on molecular, biochemical and biophysical considerations we, the research groups of Erik Schäffer and Klaus Harter, developed a concept and strategy for the making of a Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET)-based, genetically encoded nanosensor that should facilitate the measurement of dynamic changes in the plant cell´s turgor.

The thesis work is mainly about

Cloning of the nanosensor gene on the basis of already available DNA fragments using the Golden Gate technology
Transformation of the nanosensor construct into plant cells and analysis of its expression and intracellular localization by (confocal) light microscopy
Determination of the nanosensor´s FRET efficiency under dynamic osmotic stress conditions using spectro-microscopical approaches (e.g. Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging: FLIM)

In addition to biology students with molecular background, the work might also be of interest for master students in Nano-Science and Biochemistry.

We offer an innovative and scientifically stimulating environment, and cutting-edge techniques. The position is available immediately.

2 Years

Applicants must have completed a Bachelor of Science degree in physics or a similar degree with a grade 2.5 or better.
We expect broad interest in natural science as well as willingness to familiarize and work with complex scientific details, and to be able to scientifically communicate in English in written and oral form.
English is the language of instruction and examination in the degree program. The language knowledge requirement is level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference of for Languages.

English Language Requirements for all computational linguistics programs (BA, MA): 

All courses in the Computational Linguistics program are taught in English. A high level of competence in English therefore is a prerequisite for successfully studying in the program.
Formally, a proof of competence at least at the B2 level in the Common European Framework of Reference is required, and should be documented through one of the standard international tests (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.). The required scores are: 
IELTS: 6.0 or more
TOEFL iBT: 79 or more
Cambridge: First Certificate of English (FCE)
Applicants with a German Abitur and applicants whose native language is English or who graduated from an English-medium school do not need an additional proof of English competence.