[Job Opening] PhD Student

Overview

2025 KIST Europe – Recruitment of a PhD Student

KIST Europe Forschungsgesellschaft mbH ( is located in Saarbrücken, Germany, and is an overseas branch of KIST in Seoul, Korea. We invite a creative and passionate candidate for the position focused on the project "Detection and Removal of Industrial Metals by Reprogrammed ssDNA," funded by the EFRE program in Saarland. The project aims to develop label‑free, environmentally friendly sensor technology to detect heavy metal ions in industrial waste. Metal‑ion specific peptides will be identified and applied as active biorecognition units to be integrated onto Field‑Effect‑Transistor (FET)–based biosensors. The candidate will work closely with our collaboration partners in the Physics Department at Saarland University.

Fields

Biology / Biotechnology / Bioengineering or related discipline; M.Sc. required.

Personnel

The role will involve one person.

Experience

Candidate must have experience in molecular biology, bacterial cell culture and filamentous bacteriophages, genetic engineering of bacteriophages, microscopical characterization of viral constructs, and binding and biosensing tests.

Detailed Tasks

• Molecular biology and genetic engineering of bacteriophages.
• Microscopical characterization of viral constructs.
• Binding and biosensing tests.

Eligibility (General)

• No disqualification of working in Germany.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.

Conditions and Types of Employment

• Salary: KIST Europe wage table according to E13 TV‑L, 50%, including basic welfare.
• Contract period: Until October 31 2027, with a possibility of further extension.

Application Documents

• Curriculum Vitae including publication list and previous experience.
• Motivation letter stating research interests and background.
• One copy of college or university transcripts and certificates (scanned original and attached as PDF).
• List of references.

Application Period and Contacts

Submission Deadline: January 15, 2026. It is recommended to apply immediately, as the recruiting process will close once a suitable candidate is found.