PhD Student Biochemistry (m/f/d)

The Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften - ISAS - e. V. develops efficient analytical methods for health research. Thus, it contributes to the improvement of the prevention, early diagnosis, and therapy of diseases like cardiovascular diseases or cancer. Overall, the institute strives to advance precision medicine by combining knowledge from different fields such as biology, chemistry, computer science, medicine, pharmacology, and physics. ISAS is a member of the Leibniz Association and is publicly funded by the Federal Republic of Germany and its federal states.

At our location in Dortmund, we invite applications for the Research Group Biofluorescence.

PhD Candidate (m/f/d)

The main aim will be to profile the cellular components of tissue microenvironments (TME) in healthy and inflamed sites using state-of-the-art mass spectrometry-based multi‑omics. We aim to dissect the cellular and molecular heterogeneity of various TMEs with highest sensitivity down to the single‑cell level to define how they regulate cell and tissue functions under physiological and pathological conditions.

ISAS collects and processes the personal data of its applicants in accordance with European and German legal regulations. Further information on data protection and the processing of personal data can be found at:

The closing date for applications is April 18, 2026 . Please apply via our applicant portal. If you have any questions (reference number 393_2026 ), feel free to contact the Human Resources team ( ). Further information about the institute can be found at:

Activities and Responsibilities

• Developing automated sample preparation pipelines for proteomic analyses of human and mouse cells, especially immune cells, isolated as few or single cells from tissue microenvironments
• Developing high‑throughput LC-MS/MS workflows capable of analyzing the proteomes of 500‑1,000 single cells or several preparations of very few cells per day
• Collaborating with our computational teams to implement frameworks for integrating multi‑omics data for the classification of distinct cell populations
• Supporting the implementation of computation frameworks to predict the metabolic activity of cell populations from omics data
• Performing phenotypic assays to validate the cellular heterogeneity
• The analysis of generated data and communication within an interdisciplinary team made up of people working in natural, life and computer sciences as well as medicine
• Presenting the research outcome in lab meetings, meetings with collaboration partner, national and international conferences
• Assisting in producing papers about the results in peer‑reviewed international journals

Qualification profile

• Masters, Diploma or equivalent degree in biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology or a relevant scientific field
• Previous experience in protein biochemistry, LC/MS based mass spectrometry
• Previous experience in handling omics data analysis using software
• Experience in R and python is a plus but not mandatory
• Good presentation and writing skills
• Proactive, independent, and solution‑oriented way of working
• Fluent English (spoken and written)

Benefits

• A clear research topic as well as multifold training and support for PhD students in framework of ISAS and the Leibniz association
• Training and scientific development opportunities in an international environment and an excellent working atmosphere in a very dynamic and professional team
• Extensive state‑of‑the‑art equipment and infrastructure in various analytical methods
• The opportunity to present your data on international conferences and participate in workshops
• A wide range of opportunities for further training and qualifications
• Flexible working times, mobile working and attractive social benefits
• Support in finding balance between work and family life (including finding childcare facilities, advice on caring for relatives) through a family service
• Workplace health promotion and support for participation in TU Dortmund University sports activities

Non‑residents who apply for this job will receive help from the institute to find accommodation and to handle authorities. Applications from disabled applicants are welcome. ISAS supports the principle of equal opportunity for all employees and therefore particularly encourages women to apply.

The part‑time position (65%) is offered for 3,5 years. The position is available immediately. The salary will be according to the German TV‑L. The time limitation of the contract is based on the Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz (WissZeitVG).