Doctoral Researcher

**registration number**: fb16-0009-wmz-2024

**Entry date**:
as soon as possible

**Application deadline**:
2024-05-05

**Salary**:
E 13 TV-H

**Duration**:
3 years

**Volume of employment**:
part-time (65 %)

The University of Marburg, founded in 1527, offers a variety of excellent programs of study for around 22,000 students and confronts the important topics of our time through excellent research across a broad spectrum of sciences.

Doctoral Researcher (PhD Student)

The position is offered for a period of 3 years, if no former times of qualification must be considered, and is conducted part-time (65 % of regular working hours), with salary and benefits commensurate with a public service position in the state Hesse, Germany (TV-H E 13, 65 %). The starting date is as soon as possible.

Are you interested in mitochondria? Are you interested in gene regulation? Come join our vibrant RNA community in Marburg and build a network of interdisciplinary collaborations

Human mitochondria - the so-called powerhouse of the cell - contain a circular DNA genome (mtDNA) that encode its own genetic code and 13 proteins that are absolutely vital for life. Intriguingly, genes encoded by mtDNA are expressed by a machinery similar to bacteria and viruses, but several mechanistic details behind this process remain unclear. Our overarching aim is to understand fundamental principles of mitochondrial gene expression, and how defects to this process contribute to a variety of rare and incurable human diseases. We study this by reconstituting key steps in human mitochondrial RNA metabolism in vitro, in combination with cell culture assays to establish the in vivo context of our work. Using these approaches, we expect to generate robust platforms with which we can design and screen highly-specific drugs to treat mitochondrial disease.

**Tasks**:

- include scientific services in research and teaching, especially expression and purification of recombinant proteins
- performing in vitro biochemical assays (e.g. in vitro transcription, DNase/RNase footprinting, SHAPE-MaP) to understand how mitochondrial gene expression is regulated by different factors
- corroborate biochemical findings using biochemical and genetic methods (e.g. loss-of-function studies using siRNA treatment) in cultured human cells
- perform genetic and proteomic screens to identify new players in mitochondrial gene expression

The position is limited to a time period deemed adequate for the completion of a doctoral degree. As part of the assigned duties, ample opportunity to conduct the independent scientific research necessary for the completion of a doctorate. Additionally, the position includes teaching in the form of laboratory practical courses in molecular biology. The limitation complies to - 2, 1 WissZeitVG.

**Profile**:

- MSc-degree or equivalent in biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics or a related field
- proficiency in written and spoken English
- excellent problem-solving skills and collaborative work ethic
- passion for curiosity-driven science
- experience in molecular cloning, protein purification, in vitro transcripton, and cell culture techniques is desirable
- background in transcription and nucleic acid biochemistry is advantageous

Disposition to own scientific qualification is expected.

We actively support the professional development of junior researchers by the offers of Marburg Research Academy (MARA), the International Office and the Higher Education Didactics Office.

Contact for more Information

Dr. Benedict G. Tan

+49 6421 28-25876

We support women and strongly encourage them to apply. In areas where women are underrepresented, female applicants will be preferred in case of equal qualifications. As a certified family-friendly university, we support our employees in balancing family and career. A reduction of working time is possible. Applicants with a disability as discribed in SGB IX (- 2 Abs. 2, 3) will be preferred in case of equal qualifications. Application and interview costs can not be refunded.