Academic research assistant in Saarbrücken bei Universität des Saarlandes

Saarland University is a campus university with an international reputation for research excellence, particularly in

computer science and in the life sciences and nanosciences. The university is also distinguished by its close ties to

France and its strong European focus. Around 17,000 students, studying over one hundred different academic

disciplines, are currently enrolled at Saarland University. Saarland University is officially recognized as one of

Germany’s family-friendly higher-education institutions and with a combined workforce of more than 4000 it is one

of the largest employers in the region.

The Department of Human Genetics is inviting applications for the following position commencing at the earliest

opportunity.

Academic research assistant (m/f/x)

Reference number W2361, salary in accordance with the German TV-L salary scale1, pay grade: E13 TV- L, duration

of employment: 36 months, volume of employment: 50% of standard working time.

Workplace/Department:

The Institute of Human Genetics (Prof. Jens Mayer) at Medical Faculty of Saarland University is seeking a highly

motivated predoctoral research associate (TV-L E13, 50%, 3 years) to study biology and clinical relevance of a HERV-

encoded protease in the course of a research project funded by German Research Foundation (DFG). The institute

has a long-standing interest in the biology of ERVs and other mobile genetic elements (for instance, see PMID

37022231, 31462935, 30068350, 25750667, 23338945, 24109235, 19220907).

Job requirements and responsibilities:

• HERVs have been associated with various human diseases. Our recent research showed a HERV-encoded protease

potentially cleaving many different human proteins, many of them with a disease involvement. We seek a highly

motivated predoctoral researcher with expertise in basic wet-lab molecular biology and cell biology methods

(ideally, in addition cloning, cell culture, protein expression, Western blot, IF, FACS) to gain further insight into the

biology of the concerned protease. Knowledge of sequence analysis in silico as well as biology of endogenous

retroviruses will be advantageous as well. The successful candidate will be given opportunity for pursuing doctoral

studies towards a PhD title in accord with doctoral degree regulations of Saarland University Medical Faculty

1 TV-L = collective agreement on remuneration of public sector employees in the German Länder

The pay grade assigned to an employee depends on their professional qualifications and the number of years of service. Each pay grade is
further subdivided into levels. Entry-level employees with no previous experience will initially be assigned a level 1 rating. After one year at
level 1 of the E10 pay grade, an employee will move up to level 2. After a further two years, the employee will move to level 3, etc.

Your academic qualifications:

• Completed scientific university studies in a field of research directly related to the project to be conducted, i.e.,

typically a Master's degree in molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, or equivalents.

• Language skills (according to GER): English B2; German B1 (e.g.: German -C2)

The successful candidate will also be expected to:

• Familiarize herself/himself with the concerned research and scientific background.

• Design and conduct research experiments and discuss results with P.I.

• Have good command of oral and written English and German language.

• Prepare scientific presentations and, ideally, publications.

• Participate in supervision of collegiate research by Bachelor or Master students.

• Submit an application including a detailed CV, a letter describing concisely specific wet-lab and dry-lab experience,

a letter of motivation for conducting research work towards a doctoral title in the particular research project.

• Provide contact information for up to three academic peers.

• Submit your application electronically in a PDF file to the e-mail address mentioned below

• Language skills (according to GER): English B2; German B1

What we can offer you:

• A flexible work schedule allowing you to balance work and family, among other things the possibility of

teleworking

• Secure and future-oriented employment with attractive conditions

• A broad range of further education and professional development programmes (for example language courses)