Doctoral Researcher/PhD Student

This project is funded by the German Research Foundation (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, DFG). The position is offered for a period of 3 years 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.

Mitochondria, the powerhouses of the cell, contain its own unique genome (mtDNA), whose gene products are essential for life. To match the energy requirements of specific cell types (e.g., neurons, cardiomyocytes), the expression of mitochondrial genes must be tightly and dynamically regulated, but our understanding of this process is still naïve.

In this project, we will investigate how the first two steps of mitochondrial gene expression (transcription and RNA processing) are mechanistically coupled, and how defects to this process contribute to a variety of rare and incurable human diseases. We will do this using sophisticated biochemical methods that reconstitute specific steps of mitochondrial RNA metabolism in vitro, using purified mitochondrial proteins. We will also study whether unique RNA structures in specific mitochondrial genes can regulate mitochondrial RNA processing. Through this, we aim to generate robust__ platforms with which we can design and screen highly-specific drugs to treat mitochondrial disease. Join our vibrant RNA community and build a network of interdisciplinary collaborations!

Further information can be found here: bit.ly/tanlabmarburg

Tasks:

• scientific services in research and teaching
• expression and purification of recombinant mitochondrial proteins and their disease-associated mutants
• design, construction and purification of specialised DNA substrates for in vitro mitochondrial transcription
• 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 protein factors and RNA structures
• assembling intermediate ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes involved in mitochondrial gene expression
• 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, there will be ample opportunity to conduct the independent scientific research necessary for the completion of a doctorate. 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, 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 courses offered by the Marburg Research Academy (MARA), the International Office and the Higher Education Didactics Office.

We offer:

• german Language Courses (for the benefit of international applicants)
• science communication and scientific writing workshops
• courses for data analysis softwares such as Python and R

Contact for more Information

Dr. Benedict G. Tan

+49 6421-28 25876

ben.tan@uni-marburg.de

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.

Please apply including a Letter of motivation (1 page), curriculum Vitae (2 pages), the contact details of at least 2 referees (reference letters are not required) and academic certificates by 3rd January 2025 using the application button below. All applications should be made in English.