The University of Kassel is a modern and growing University with round about 25.000 students. It has an extraordinary wide section with expertise of nature, technique, culture and society. The following position is to be filled at the Institute of Biology, in the Department of Molecular Plant Physiology – Bioenergetics in Photoautotrophs (Prof. Dr. Kirstin Gutekunst), by a highly motivated PhD student or postdoc as soon as possible: Research Assistant (m/f/d), EG 13 TV-H, fixed-term and part-time position (currently 26 hours per week)
Please send your application with the usual informative documents, stating the reference number in the subject line, via the online form. We have compiled further information for you in our FAQ. In exceptional cases, we will also accept your application documents in paper form addressed to: The President of the University of Kassel, 34109 Kassel, Germany, or via mail to bewerbungen[at]uni-kassel.de, stating the reference number. In the case of postal applications, please submit only copies of your documents (no folders), as these cannot be returned. All documents will be destroyed after completion of the selection process in compliance with data protection regulations.
Part time position with 65,00 percent working hours of a full-time employee. This is a fixed term-position limited for three years (§ 2 Abs. 1 Satz 1 WissZeitVG; opportunity for PhD project). The scientific position will focus on the central carbon metabolism in cyanobacteria within the framework of the DFG project “Dynamic organization of glycolytic routes and the Calvin-Benson-Bassham-cycle during autotrophy-heterotrophy switch”. Alternatively, the position can as well be offered to a postdoc candidate as part time position with 85,00 percent working hours of a full-time employee.
Tasks:
Cyanobacteria are highly fascinating prokaryotes. They invented oxygenic photosynthesis, which changed life on Earth dramatically. Even today they belong to the main primary producers on our planet. A detailed understanding of their physiology is a prerequisite for estimations concerning the global carbon cycle. We are preferentially working with the model organism Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 that is accessible to genetic manipulation. It is the best studied cyanobacterium and most of its genes have been annotated. Site directed mutagenesis allows targeted studies of its physiology.
We found that cyanobacteria and plants possess beside glycolysis and the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway a third glycolytic route, the Entner-Doudoroff pathway (Chen et al. 2016, PNAS). This pathway is presumably especially important in transition states to balance photosynthesis, CO2-fixation and carbohydrate catabolism (Makowka et al. 2020, Mol. Plant). The applicant will be a member of the DFG funded research team SCyCode, which addresses the switch between autotrophy and heterotrophy in Synechocystis. The research team offers intensive scientific and methodic exchanges and very exciting cooperations across several working groups.
A special emphasis will be studies on the Entner-Doudoroff pathway. Kassel is surrounded by hills, forests, and castles and invites for recreation. The Fulda river meanders through the green city. The biological institute is situated at the Dönche, a nature conservation area, which as well adjoins the Habichtswald with a ramified network of hiking paths.
Requirements:
- Master or Diploma degree in biochemistry or biology
- True scientific enthusiasm, curiosity, and intrinsic motivation
- Interest and knowledge in physiology
Advantageous:
- A strong background in molecular biology
Please upload your application including a letter of motivation with two reference addresses and a CV including a list of mastered methods. For further information please contact Prof. Dr. Kirstin Gutekunst, E-Mail: kirstin.gutekunst(at)uni-kassel.de.
The protection of your personal information is very important to us, so we will handle your personal information with care. By your application, you allow us the storage and use in the sense of the Hessian Data Protection and Freedom of Information Act. You can object to this at any time. Your personal data will be deleted.
The University of Kassel is very interested in the professional satisfaction of its employees. It is distinguished as a family-friendly university and, in the interests of equal opportunities, strives to offer everyone the same opportunities for development and to counteract existing disadvantages. It promotes the Family Welcome Service and also the Dual Career Service for positions that are scientifically and academically filled.
One of the strategic goals of the University of Kassel is to significantly increase the proportion of women in research and teaching. Applications from women are therefore particularly welcome. Seriously handicapped and equivalent applicants are given preference if they have the same suitability, qualifications and professional performance. Full-time positions are generally divisible (except when filling civil servant positions).
Applications indicating the Position Number, which may be in digital form, should be sent to the President of the University of Kassel, 34109 Kassel, Germany or bewerbungen@uni-kassel.de, quoting the applicable reference number.
| Closes: | 15.06.2022 |
| Date of Hire: | as soon as possible |
| Reference: | 35040 |