PhD position in biophysics of the cytoskeleton

The Biophysics of the Cytoskeleton research group is inviting applications for the following position commencing at the earliest opportunity.

Academic research assistant (m/f/x)
Reference number W1816

Salary in accordance with the German TV-L salary scale1, pay grade: E13, employment: 50 % of standard working time.

Workplace/Department:
Experimental Biophysics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken (Germany)

Job requirements and responsibilities:
The Biophysics of the Cytoskeleton research group is looking for a talented and motivated doctoral candidate interested in using cell biological, biophysical and biochemical approaches in combination with microfabrication / microfluidics to study the basic principles that govern the properties of the microtubule cytoskeleton. The goal of this project is to reveal the biophysical rules that determine the relation between microtubule network architecture, dynamics and function. The project will involve live cell experiments as well as reconstituting in vitro systems with a minimum set of components (Schaedel et al., Nature Materials 2015; Aumeier et al., Nature Cell Biology 2016; Schaedel et al., Nature Physics 2019).

We are a young, enthusiastic and highly interdisciplinary team working on the cytoskeleton on different scales, from molecules to cells. We are particularly passionate about microtubules and intermediate filaments, two cytoskeletal fibers with opposing mechanical, dynamic and structural properties. We investigate cytoskeletal architecture, dynamics, mechanics and cross-talk using tools from biophysics, biochemistry, cell biology and microfabrication. For more information on the research group, please refer to www.biocytolab.com.

Your academic qualifications:
• Completed university studies in (bio)physics, biology, biochemistry or a related field qualifying for doctoral studies in the field of biophysics.

The successful candidate will also be expected to:
• Be proficient in English (both spoken and written).
• Have good comprehension skills in German or otherwise be willing to learn German during their stay.
• Previous experience in molecular / cell biology, biochemistry or fluorescence microscopy would be an appreciated
asset.

What we can offer you:
• A flexible work schedule allowing you to balance work and family
• A broad range of further education and professional development programmes
• An occupational health management model with numerous attractive options, such as our university sports programme
• Supplementary pension scheme (RZVK)
• Discounted tickets on local public transport services (‘Jobticket‘)