PhD Student Position (m/f/d) – New Opsins for Optogenetic Therapies

PhD Student Position (m/f/d) – New Opsins for Optogenetic Therapies

The University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG) unites the Medical Faculty of the Georg-August University and the University Hospital in an integration model. With around 9,700 employees, the UMG and its subsidiaries are one of the largest employers in the region. Our clinics and institutes stand for high-quality patient care, excellent research, modern teaching and transfer of innovative technology.

Göttingen as a city of science is located in the center of Germany and the University Medical Center Göttingen is integrated into an attractive network of university and non-university scientific institutions.

The Institut für Auditorische Neurowissenschaften of the University Medical Center Göttingen is looking for a new position for the earliest start date

PhD Student Position (m/f/d) – New Opsins for Optogenetic Therapies

part time, with 25,025 hours per week, available for three years with the possibility of an extension
Remuneration according to TV-L

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student with a background in biophysics, biochemistry, molecular biology or neuroscience and a strong interest in protein engineering and optogenetics to advance our efforts in the engineering of light-gated ion channels and the development of a new generation of optogenetic actuators for therapeutic applications.

The Molecular and Cellular Opsin Engineering Lab has recently moved to Göttingen and is part of the highly interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment of the Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and the Else Kröner-Fresenius Center for Optogenetic Therapies. The Center brings together biochemists, neuroscientists, engineers, and medical researchers from different disciplines with the shared goal of advancing optogenetic technologies toward clinical applications.

Göttingen is an internationally renowned center for neuroscience and biomedical research. The Georg-August University and University Medical Center Göttingen, the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, the European Neuroscience Institute, and the German Primate Center provide an exceptionally strong and internationally connected research environment. PhD students can additionally benefit from the interdisciplinary training and networking opportunities offered by the Göttingen Graduate Center for Neurosciences, Biophysics, and Molecular Biosciences (GGNB).

Your tasks

• Molecular cloning, genetic modification, and expression of new opsins in mammalian cell cultures and primary neurons
• Functional characterization of new opsins using molecular biology, biochemical assays, fluorescence microscopy, live-cell imaging, and whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology
• Development and optimization of experimental workflows for higher-throughput screening, including automated data analysis where applicable
• Design of new optogenetic tools and subcellular targeting strategies, together with the development of new experimental approaches
• Regular presentation of your work in lab meetings, thesis advisory committee meetings, and scientific conferences, and contribution to collaborative scientific publications in international peer-reviewed journals
• Opportunity to gain experience in supervising Bachelor’s and Master’s students

Your qualifications

We are looking for an open-minded, enthusiastic, and highly motivated junior researcher with strong analytical and interpersonal skills, the ability to think independently, and a demonstrable interest in basic biological research questions.

• Completed Master’s degree or equivalent in biology, biophysics, physics, biochemistry, molecular medicine, neuroscience, or a related discipline
• Practical laboratory experience and basic knowledge of working with biological samples
• Experience with quantitative data analysis and scientific presentation
• Proficient communication and writing skills in English
• Previous experience in one or more of the following areas would be advantageous but is not required: molecular biology, electrophysiology, live-cell imaging, automated data analysis, or work with photoreceptors and light-sensitive samples. Training in complementary techniques will be provided.

We offer

• A 65% position according to TV-L E13, initially funded for three years, with secured funding for an extension of up to two additional years
• A highly collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment with excellent scientific networking opportunities, structured supervision through a thesis advisory committee, and comprehensive scientific training and career-development opportunities
• Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure for molecular biology, imaging, electrophysiology, and optogenetic research
• The opportunity to join a newly established and growing research group, combining the advantages of a small lab — close scientific supervision, direct mentoring, and the freedom to shape your research questions and experimental strategies — with the excellent infrastructure and collaborative environment of a leading international research institution

Our goal as University Medical Center Göttingen is professional equality for all genders. We strive to equalize the gender ratio in areas where there is underrepresentation. The University Medical Center Göttingen is particularly committed to the professional participation of severely disabled people and therefore welcomes applications from severely disabled people. In the case of equal suitability, applications from severely disabled persons will be given preferential consideration in accordance with the relevant regulations. We kindly ask you to indicate a disability/equal status in your letter of application in order to safeguard your interests.

We look forward to receiving your application!