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Location

Jena | Germany

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Job description

Job advertisement

Vacancy ID: 047/2024
Closing date: 2024-03-27

Friedrich Schiller University is a traditional university with a strong research profile rooted in the heart of Germany. As a university covering all disciplines, it offers a wide range of subjects. Its research is focused on the areas Light—Life—Liberty. It is closely networked with non-research institutions, research companies and renowned cultural institutions. With around 18,000 students and more than 8,600 employees, the university plays a major role in shaping Jena’s character as a cosmopolitan and future-oriented city.

The Institute of Zoology and Evolutionary Research seeks to fill the position of a

PhD candidate in Comparative Developmental Biology

commencing on 01.06.2024. We offer a full-time position (40 hours per week), offered as a fixed-term position until 31.05.2027.

This PhD position is subject to funding by the MSC Doctoral Network “ZooCELL” (). ZooCELL is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network aiming at studying the evolution of cell-types and tissues in a diverse array of invertebrates. To do so, the labs involved in the network will use the most recent single-cell and tissue genomic techniques, merging them with Electron Microscopical Techniques. The ZooCELL network brings together 7 beneficiaries and 7 associated partners, located in 5 different countries (France, Germany, Italy, Sweden and UK) and in one intergovernmental organisation (EMBL).

The research group, headed by Andreas Hejnol, studies the evolution of animal organ systems using a broad diversity of animal taxa (e.g. nemerteans, priapulids, rotifers, gastrotrichs, acoelomorphs). The group is particularly interested in studying the molecular and cellular basis of organ system development using a comparative approach.

The project addresses the question about the evolution of gravitational sensory organs across multicellular animals. The aim of this project is to use single-cell transcriptomics, in situ hybridization and ultrastructural methods to characterize in detail gravitational sense organs in different animal lineages.

Your responsibilities:

• conduct comparative developmental transcriptomic analyses, detect commonalities and differences in different gravitation sensing organs in e.g. acoelomorphs, priapulids, brachiopods, sea urchins and hemichordates
• studied the embryology/development and differentiation of these tissues by using techniques such as histology, transmission electron microscopy, molecular biology, live-imaging, and single-cell sequencing
• work in close association with the group leader and other lab members with the aim to eventually contribute to the further development of the project in line with his/her interests

Your profile:

• A master's degree or the equivalent in a biological field. It is a condition of employment that the master's degree has been awarded
• Experience in molecular biology and embryology methods is essential while experience in morphology and bioinformatics are highly desirable
• A background in evolutionary biology is beneficial
• A high motivation and passion for science is essential
• Ability to work both independently and in close collaboration with others in a structured manner
• At the time of recruitment, the candidate must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Germany for more than 12 months in the last 3 years. Short stays such as holidays and/or compulsory national service are not taken into account

We offer:

• Participation in a diverse experimental and theoretical research project with a strong interdisciplinary nature
• An interesting position at an international level with participation in an international training program
• A comprehensive further and continuing education programme and individual qualification and development measures
• A family-friendly working environment with a variety of offers for families: University Family Office ‘JUniFamilie’ and flexible childcare (‘JUniKinder)
• The gross monthly salary is 3.264 €. If you are married, or in a relationship treated as equivalent to marriage under the legislation of the country in which the relationship was entered into, or if you have dependent children, the gross monthly salary is 3.811 €.
• 30 days of vacation per calendar year plus two days off on December 24 and 31

The advertised position is offered as a fixed-term position for a maximum of 3 years.

Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability.

Are you eager to work for us? Then apply by 27.03.2024 using our online form.

For further information for applicants and the information on the collection of personal data, please refer to Data privacy and information for applicants

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Salary