Research Assistant (Doctoral Researcher/PhD) in Marburg an der Lahn bei Universität Marburg

Universität Marburg

registration number:

ZE-0078-synmikro-wmz-2024

Entry date:
as soon as possible

Application deadline:
2024-08-04

Salary:
E 13 TV-H

Duration:
3 years

Volume of employment:
part-time (65 %)

The University of Marburg, founded in 1527, offers a variety of excellent programs of study for around 22,000 students and confronts the important topics of our time through excellent research across a broad spectrum of sciences.

In the context of the Research Training Group “Nucleotide Metabolism in Microbes”, the Faculty of Biology and the Center for Synthetic Microbiology (SYNMIKRO), research group of Prof. Dr. Martin Thanbichler, is currently accepting applications for the position of a

Research Assistant (Doctoral Researcher/PhD)

The position is offered for 3 years in case of no former times of qualification must be considered. The starting date is as soon as possible. The position is part time (65 % of the regular working hours) with salary and benefits commensurate with a public service position in the State of Hesse, Germany (TV-H E13, 65 %).

The Research Training Group “Nucleotide Metabolism in Microbes” (GRK 2937), funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), investigates the biology of nucleotides and nucleotide derived cofactors in different microbial species in order to uncover the mechanistic principles that underlie nucleotide-dependent biological processes.

As part of this consortium, the research group investigates the cell biology of bacterial model systems with an emphasis on chromosome segregation, cell division, cytoskeletal dynamics and cell cycle regulation. The focus of the project "", conducted in the context of GRK 2937, is on the molecular mechanisms of bacterial chromosome and plasmid segregation by the so-called ParAB_S_ system, a widely conserved functional module that mediates the distribution of newly replicated DNA to the two daughter cells during cell division in the vast majority of bacteria. The project will involve a broad interdisciplinary approach that includes molecular biology, fluorescence imaging, biochemistry, biophysics, structural biology, and bioinformatics. The results obtained will clarify fundamental principles in the organization of bacterial cells, which may provide the basis for future synthetic-biological applications or the development of new antimicrobials.

Tasks:

• development of an original research project with high independence
• in vitro functional and structural analysis of nucleotide binding proteins involved in bacterial DNA segregation
• analysis of protein localization and dynamics in vivo using PALM microcopy and single molecule tracking
• multidisciplinary collaboration in an international research environment
• communication of research findings through publications and conference presentations
• opportunity to supervise student courses and seminars (teaching)

The position is limited to a time period deemed adequate for the completion of a doctoral degree. As part of the assigned duties, there will be ample opportunity to conduct the independent scientific research necessary for the completion of a doctorate. The limitation complies with § 2, 1 WissZeitVG.

Profile:

• scientific degree (Master or equivalent) from a university or a similar higher education organization in the field of biology or biochemistry
• solid background in molecular (micro)biology
• experience in the sterile handling and, optimally, genetic manipulation of bacteria
• Expertise in molecular biological (cloning) and biochemical (protein purification) approaches
• interest in cell biological approaches, including state-of-the-art fluorescence imaging techniques
• independent thinking, self-motivation and passion for science

The motivation to promote your own scientific qualification, e. g. by performing a doctoral project at the interface of microbiology, biochemistry and cell biology, is expected.

The project offers an interesting and timely topic in a friendly and international team. For more information on the Thanbichler group, please visit . Successful applicants will be closely integrated into the graduate program of the Research Training Group “Nucleotide Metabolism in Microbes”, which offers in-depth scientific and transferable skills training. Moreover, applicants have the opportunity to participate in the graduate training programs of the International Max Planck Research School “IMPRS-µLife” and the Center for Synthetic Microbiology (SYNMIKRO). Philipps-Universität Marburg supports the professional development of junior researchers, e.g. through the offers of the Marburg Research Academy (MARA), the International Office and the Higher Educatio