PhD Student in Molecular and Structural Microbiology - Microbiome Science

Organisation/Company Deutsches Elektronen‑Synchrotron DESY Research Field Physics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 15 Jan 2026 - 23:00 (UTC) Country Germany Type of Contract To be defined Job Status Other Offer Starting Date 24 Nov 2025 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

FS-CSSB

Area of research:

PHD Thesis

DESY

The Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB) is an international, interdisciplinary research center on the DESY campus where scientists from ten different university and non‑university institutions work together to investigate the structure, dynamics and function of pathogens and their host interactions. The Sondermann lab (Link) is interested in deciphering the molecular processes that determine bacterial interactions in microbial communities. This PhD project focuses on bacterial secretion systems involved in these processes and is funded by a Germany‑wide network on illuminating gene functions of the human intestinal microbiota. There will be ample opportunities to connect with other groups locally and nationally.

About your role

• Research on the type VI secretion system of Bacteroidota present in the mammalian intestine
• Presentation and publication of research results
• Active role as a member of the research group
• Participation in activities of the research consortium

About you

• You are fascinated by microbiology and have a strong desire to learn and grow professionally.
• You have a Master’s degree in the biosciences or are close to completing such a degree.
• You are experienced with techniques in at least one of the areas of molecular microbiology, structural biology, and protein biochemistry.
• You thrive in a team and your writing and communication skills in English are excellent.

Look forward to a unique working environment on our international research campus. Respectful cooperation and the well‑being of our DESY employees are particularly important to us. Gender equality is an important aspect for us. To support work life balance we offer flexible working hours and variable part‑time. You will benefit from our family‑friendly and collegial atmosphere, our established health management and occupational pension provision. As a public funded employer, we offer you a secure workplace and facilitate your individual career with our comprehensive training and development opportunities. Remuneration is according to the regulations of the TV‑AVH. DESY offers its employees a financial supplement for a German job ticket (Deutschland‑Ticket) at both locations.

Special benefits

• The position is limited to three years, with the possibility of extension
• Your workplace is located at the Centre for Structural System Biology (CSSB) on the DESY campus and is easily accessible by public transport
• Scientific training at one of Europe’s leading research infrastructures
• Membership in the Graduate School Life of Kiel University
• Membership in a Germany‑wide network in microbiome science

We look forward to receiving your application via our application portal.

Applynow

DESY promotes the professional development of women and therefore strongly encourages women to apply for the position to be filled. In addition, severely handicapped persons with equal aptitude are given preferential consideration. The advertised positions are basically suitable for part‑time employment.

You can find further information here:

Deutsches Elektronen‑Synchrotron DESY
Personalabteilung | Notkestraße 85 | 22607 Hamburg
Phone: ‑3392

This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. With more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over € 5 billion, the Helmholtz Association is Germany’s largest scientific organisation.