Academic research assistant in Saarbrücken bei Universität des Saarlandes

Saarland University is a campus university that is internationally recognized for its strong research programmes.

Fostering young academic talent and creating ideal conditions for teaching and research are a core part of the

university’s mission. As part of the University of the Greater Region, Saarland University enables students and staff to

share and exchange knowledge and ideas between disciplines, between universities and across borders. With over

17,000 national and international students, studying more than a hundred different academic disciplines, Saarland

University is a diverse and dynamic learning environment. [Saarland University is officially recognized as one of

Germany’s family-friendly higher-education institutions and with a combined workforce of more than 4,000 it is one

of the largest employers in the region.]

The Professor of Microbiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, is inviting applications for the following position

commencing at the earliest opportunity.

Academic research assistant (PhD position) (m/f/x)

Reference number W2426, salary in accordance with the German TV-L salary scale1, pay grade: E13 TV- L, duration

of employment: initially 3 years, volume of employment: 50 % of standard working time.

Workplace/Department:

Regulation of protein translocation across the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane: Proteins are transported

through the ER membrane for biosynthetic protein import of secretory and transmembrane proteins by the Sec61

channel. So far, little is known about regulation of Sec61 channel activity. We are currently investigating the role of

phosphorylation on transport through the Sec61 channel, and identifying proteins whose secretion is regulated. We

have recently shown that the phosphorylated channel subunit is essential for virulence of a major human fungal

pathogen. We employ a mixture of protein biochemistry, yeast genetics, and cell-free assays to address these questions.

We are a small international lab working in a competitive area, so candidates need to be highly motivated and working

to a high standard. The lab language is English, but acquisition of at least rudimentary German is desirable. The thesis

can be written and defended in English or German. Candidates are expected to participate in teaching two practicals

a year, and in co-supervising BSc and MSc students alongside their thesis work. PhD students are expected to finish

within 3-4 years with at least one first-author publication.

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.

Barbieri G, Simon J, Barbarit A, Lupusella C, Pereira F, Elia F, Meyer H, Schuldiner M, Hanes SD, Nguyen D, Helms V, Römisch K (2023). ER translocation of

suboptimal targeting sequences depends on Sec61beta/Sbh1 and is fine-tuned by phosphorylation. J Biol Chem 299:102895.

Santiago Tirado F, Hurtaux T, Helms V, Geddes-McAlister J, Nguyen D, Helms V, Doering T, Römisch K (2023). The ER protein translocation channel

subunit Sbh1 controls virulence of Cryptococcus neoformans. mBio 14(1):e0338422.

Bhadra P, Yadhanapudi L, Römisch K, Helms V (2021). How does the presence/absence of Sec63 affect Sec61 conformations? PLoS Computational Biology

17(3):e1008855.

Elia F, Yadhanapudi L, Tretter T, Römisch K (2019). The N-terminus of Sec61p plays key roles in ER protein import and ERAD. PLoS ONE 14(4):e0215950.

Job requirements and responsibilities:

• Candidates will work on an aspect of regulated protein transport across the ER membrane. Prior experience with

yeast genetics, protein biochemistry, or cell-free assays would be helpful. PhD students are expected to finish

within 3-4 years with at least one first-author publication.

Your academic qualifications:

• Completed scientific university studies in Moleculary Biology, Biochemistry, or a similar field including a BSc and

a 2-year MSc programme.

The successful candidate will also be expected to:

• participate in teaching 2 practicals per year,

• participate in supervision of BSc and MSc students,

• Language skills: the lab language is E