Academic Research Assistant Job (PhD Position) in Moleculary Biology at Universität des Saarlandes in Germany

Academic Research Assistant Job (PhD position) in Moleculary Biology at Universität des Saarlandes in Germany; 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 W2483, salary in accordance with the German TV-L salary scale, 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.

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 English, but acquisition of rudimentary German would be desirable.

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),
• 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 (‘Job-Ticket Plus‘ of the saarVV)

Your application:

We look forward to receiving your meaningful online application by 17th of June 2024. The application should include a motivational letter, a CV detailing education and lab experience and names and contact details of 2 references. Applications should be sent in a single PDF file to karin.roemisch@uni-saarland.de. Please include the reference number W2483 in the subject line of the e-mail. If you have any questions, please contact us for assistance. Your contact: Dr. Karin Römisch, Professor of Microbiology, E-Mail: karin.roemisch@uni-saarland.de

Contact: Prof. Dr. Karin Römisch, Professor of Microbiology karin.roemisch@uni-saarland.de

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.

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