Title of the project: Analysis if the biogenesis of the archaeal cell envelope and surface structures

This particular PhD position is aimed to understand the biogenesis of the archaeal cell envelope in two archaeal model organisms. The project aims to understand how the outer surface of the cells is assembled and how macromolecular surface appendages like pili or the archaellum are assembled. For this biochemical, genetic and imaging methods will be used. Secondments are planned to an industrial and academic ARCTECH partner to learn specific technologies required for the project.

Requirements

Research Field: Biological sciences

Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Required selection criteria

• Excellent track record in relation to the opportunity
• Completed Master’s degree in Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry or related
• You must have a strong academic background from your previous studies and an above average grade for your MSc degree.
• Very good communication and collaboration skills and fluency in English

Preferred selection criteria

• Experience in working with archaea would be an asset but not a necessity; experience in molecular biological techniques and preferably protein purification
• Experience in time management and teamwork
• Above-average commitment, ability to work independently and integrate into an interdisciplinary team
• Scientific curiosity and passion

Specific Requirements

• Must not already hold a doctoral degree
• Must comply with the MSC Action mobility rule: not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Germany for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date

Additional Information

Benefits

• Access to state-of-the-art training within the ARCTECH doctoral network, at an academic, and industry level
• Opportunities to collaborate with discipline specific world leading researchers
• A mobility allowance to support relocation
• A family allowance for the relocation of family (terms and conditions apply)

Eligibility criteria

To apply for one of these PhD positions, the applicant must fulfil the following conditions:

Have — at the date of recruitment — a Master’s degree in Life Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Biology, Bioinformatics, Systems Biology (or an equivalent diploma), Bioengineering.

Trans-national mobility: The applicant — at the date of recruitment — should not have resided in the country where the research training takes place for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to recruitment, and not have carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in that country. For refugees under the Geneva Convention (1951 Refugee Convention and the 1967 Protocol), the refugee procedure (i.e. before refugee status is conferred) will not be counted as ‘period of residence/activity in the country of the beneficiary’.

Be able to communicate fluently in English (at least B2-level speaking and writing).

Selection process

The application and supporting documentation to be used as the basis for the assessment must be in English.Applications should include:

• Complete CV (name, address, degree(s) with transcript(s) of grades, research experience, educational and employment history, publications etc.)
• Letter of application (max. 1 page) including a short explanation of the applicant’s motivation to undertake a PhD
• Transcripts and diplomas for bachelor’s and master’s degrees
• A copy of the master’s thesis. If you recently have submitted your master’s thesis, you can attach a draft of the thesis. Documentation of a completed master’s degree must be presented before taking up the position.
• Names, contact details (including email addresses) of at least two referees

Upon request, you must be able to obtain certified copies of your documentation.

Please upload your application with the documents as listed above, quoting the reference number, by 5pm (CET+1) on 12^th May 2024 via the application form.

Applications submitted by post or to other email addresses will not be considered. 

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience, and personal and interpersonal qualities.

Additional comments

The Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg is one of the oldest German universities and one of the nation’s leading research and teaching institutions (ca. 25,000 students from more than 100 nations), as evidenced by ist membership in the League of European Research Universities (LERU). It actively fosters interdisciplinary research and offers cutting edge research facilities and world class science in all academic fields. The university actively promotes international exchange facilitated by its central location in Europe. Further, it is a member of EUCOR – The European Campus and the European Universities Network EPICUR.  

The university has formally endorsed the guidelines of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct in 2007.

We offer you the following: Marie Sklodowska-Curie PhDs are paid a competitive gross salary of 3,400 €/month, adjusted for their host country, a Mobility Allowance of 600 €/month and, for researchers who have a family, a Family Allowance of 660 €/month. All amounts are subject to deductions and taxes. Family is defined as persons linked to the researcher by (i) marriage, or (ii) a relationship with equivalent status to a marriage recognised by the national legislation of the country of the beneficiary or of nationality of the researcher, or (iii) dependent children who are actually being maintained by the researcher.