Practical trainings, student assistants and theses

Biomolecules can be used for the selective binding or precipitation of metal ions from solutions. Little research has been done to date on the selective mobilization of metals from the surface of minerals using biomolecules.
As part of this work, basic techniques of mineral characterization will be learned and applied in the analytics department. Metal-selective biomolecules, which are available in the Biotechnology Department, will be mixed with well-characterized mineral particles under varying conditions. The release of metals will be investigated using elemental analysis methods.
After successful screening of the metal-selective biomolecules, the best candidates will be used for optimization experiments.
This work will be carried out under the joint supervision of the Analytics Department in Freiberg and the Biotechnology Department in Dresden at the Helmholtz Institute Freiberg for Resource Technology.

The prerequisite is valid enrollment in a master's program in biology, chemistry, applied natural sciences, geology, or a related natural science program.

Furthermore:

• Extensive laboratory experience in biology, geology, or chemistry
• Basic knowledge of analytical methods is an advantage
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Interested students are requested to submit their application documents, including their resume, most recent transcript, and letter of motivation.

The topic is to be addressed as part of a master's/diploma thesis in conjunction with a mandatory internship. This results in a duration of up to 12 months, whereby an extension or adjustment of the duration may be made in consultation with the supervisor. We can offer you:

- An innovative multidisciplinary research environment with relevance to important issues
- Supervision by experienced scientists
- Practical experience in the fields of biotechnology, analytics, etc.

Nowadays, the processing of secondary resources is becoming more and more important as there is a high demand of critical raw materials. Especially batteries have high amounts of the critical metals Lithium, Cobalt, Manganese and Nickel as oxides used for cathode materials, as well as graphite, which is typically used as anode material. These valuable minerals enrich in the fine fraction < 1 mm, which is called black mass. Studies have shown that flotation is a suitable technique to separate graphite from the cathode active materials. Until now, the black mass is treated via flotation only and there has not been a combination of different separation techniques. Treatment of the black mass by means of turbulent cross-flow classification, either before or after flotation, could improve the separation result. Before the two processes can be combined, in a first step, the application of turbulent cross-flow classification on black mass needs to be investigated.
In the scope of this study, the student will investigate the separation behaviour of the black mass components during turbulent cross-flow classification. Special focus is placed on the influence of different particle properties such as sinking velocity (depending on size and density), as well as the influence of dispersants (e.g. sodium hexametaphosphate) and selective flocculants (e.g. polyacrylamide) and the use of high-power ultrasound for dispersion on the separation effect. Tests will be carried out using a Cyclosizer hydrocyclone cascade. Different feed materials will be used, such as non-pyrolysed and pyrolysed black mass from real spent lithium-ion batteries that underwent pre-processing via eleytrohydrolytic fragmentation, but also model compositions in order to better understand the separation process of such materials. The lab work not only includes the separation tests, but also the preparation and the analysis of the feed material and the products. To assess the separation outcome, analytical methods like elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, mineral liberation analysis (SEM+EDX) and laser diffraction will be used.

• Field of study in process, mechanical or chemical engineering or a similar field of study
• Interest in experimental investigation
• Good written and oral communication skills in English
• Independent and reliable work
• Please upload a short letter of motivation stating the period of time and your current grade overview to the applicant portal

• Student thesis, full-time if possible
• Start date: by arrangement
• Remuneration in accordance with HZDR internal regulations
• We offer an innovative multidisciplinary international research environment with relevance to key issues in resource technology
• The work will be performed at the Helmholtz Institute Freiberg for Resource Technology (HIF) in Freiberg

Phage Surface Display (PSD) is a technology for the identification of novel biomolecules which selectively interact with parts of cancer cells or other structures of medical interest. PSD has been successfully used by many research groups worldwide. The radio labeling of new biomolecules can then lead to new targeted radiotheranostic approaches.
The aim of this master's thesis is to identify new, selective biomolecules for TROP2 and CDCP1. Identified peptides will then be synthesized, radiolabeled, and used for further (radio)pharmacological investigations.

The prerequisite is valid enrollment in a master's program in biotechnology, molecular biology, biochemistry, biology, or a related natural science program.
Furthermore:

• Extensive laboratory experience in the field of molecular biology
• Basic knowledge of bioinformatics is an advantage
• Willingness to work in controlled areas
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Interested students are requested to submit their documents, including their resume, most recent transcript, and letter of motivation.

The topic is to be addressed as part of a master's/diploma thesis in conjunction with a mandatory internship. This results in a duration of up to 12 months, whereby an extension or adjustment of the duration can be made in consultation with the supervisor. We can offer you:

• An innovative multidisciplinary research environment with relevance to important issues
• Supervision by experienced scientists
• Practical experience in molecular biology, medical radiochemistry, etc.

At Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), over 1,500 employees from more than 70 nations are conducting cutting-edge research in the fields of ENERGY, HEALTH, and MATERIALS to address the major challenges facing society today.
The Center for Advanced Systems Understanding (CASUS), founded in Görlitz in 2019, is a German-Polish interdisciplinary research center focusing on data-intensive digital systems.
CASUS offers student internships in a wide range of scientific fields. You are welcome to apply and join CASUS if you are interested in gaining knowledge in the following research areas:

• Theoretical Chemistry
• Earth System Science
• Systems Biology
• Digital Health
• Computational Radiation Physics
• Theory of complex systems
• Dynamics of Complex Living Systems
• Machine Learning for Infection and Disease

• Student in computer science, physics, chemistry, or related fields
• Student already enrolled at the university in Germany, Poland or Czech Republic (close exchange and attendance in the office preferable and combined with the moblie working from Germany combinable)
• Eager to learn new skills
• Strong motivation to work in a collaborative environment
• Preliminary experience in code development is an advantage
• Excellent communication skills in English and/or German or Polish

• A vibrant research community in an open, diverse and international work environment
• Scientific excellence and extensive professional networking opportunities
• A wide range of qualification opportunities
• We support a good work-life balance with the possibility of part-time employment, mobile working and flexible working hours
• Either an immediate start or a start in 2024 is possible