PhD Student for a MSCA-DN Project (m/f/x)

Offer Description

At the Center for Molecular Bioengineering (B CUBE), the Chair of BioNano‑Tools offers, subject to the availability of resources, a position as Research Associate / PhD Student (m/f/x) for a MSCA‑DN project starting 1 October 2026. The position is initially limited to 24 months, with potential extension to allow completion of the PhD. The PhD student will receive a salary plus living, mobility and family allowances (if eligible). Applicants may be of any nationality, but at the time of recruitment the applicant must not have resided or carried out the main activity in Germany for more than 12 months in the previous 3 years.

Tasks (key responsibilities):

• Biochemical preparation of motor proteins.
• Setup of in‑vitro motility assays.
• Development of strategies to mechanically couple molecular motors.
• Dynamic acquisition of motor‑driven movement by high‑resolution fluorescence microscopy and/or magnetic/optical tweezers.
• Quantitative image processing, data analysis and modelling.

Project: The PhD student will work on MONALISA (Motorized Nano‑machines: Foundations, Innovations, Applications), a Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Actions Doctoral Network funded under Horizon 2020. The project will train 15 doctoral candidates across nine European partners and aims to develop artificial molecular machines that mimic oscillatory biological behaviours. The research will focus on bidirectional cargo transport along microtubules and cross‑linking of microtubules by motor proteins, and on creating synthetic systems that generate robust oscillations.

Key tasks of the PhD student:

• Manage and carry out research projects.
• Attend and participate in research and training activities within the MONALISA network and local courses.
• Write scientific articles, a PhD thesis and disseminate research in the scientific community.

Requirements

Education: Master degree or equivalent in biology, biophysics, biochemistry or bioengineering; excellent English skills.

Skills/Qualifications:

• Ambitious, curious, creative, energetic and bright minds with strong eagerness to participate in research and training activities.
• Excellent personal skills and ability to work in a team.
• Position located in Dresden, Germany; secondments to national and international partner groups are envisaged.
• Not yet awarded the doctoral degree and in the first four years of the research career.

Eligibility Criteria

Nationality: Candidates may be of any nationality.

Mobility: At the date of recruitment, the applicant must not have resided or carried out the main activity in Germany for more than 12 months in the last three years.

Qualifications and research experience: Applicants must fulfill the requirements defined for Doctoral Candidates (DCs), i.e., have not yet been awarded a doctoral degree and be in the first four years of their research career.

TUD encourages women to apply and welcomes applications from candidates with disabilities. If multiple candidates are equally qualified, those with disabilities or with equivalent status pursuant to the German Social Code IX (SGB IX) will receive priority for employment.

Benefits and Additional Information

The PhD student will receive a salary, living allowance, mobility allowance and family allowance (if eligible). A career development plan will be prepared in collaboration with the supervisor and will include training, planned secondments and outreach activities.

TUD offers:

• The opportunity for engaging and independent work within a flat hierarchy, in an open‑minded team and supportive atmosphere.
• Flexible arrangements for work hours to support a good work‑life balance.
• 30 days of vacation per year (based on a 5‑day workweek).
• Extensive opportunities for professional development and continuing education.
• Health care and sports programmes offered by TUD.
• A discounted job ticket (also available as a Deutschlandticket).
• Participation in the supplementary pension scheme for employees in the public sector via VBL (Federal and State Government Employees Retirement Fund).

Where to Apply

E‑mail: