Founded in 1607, Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU) is a research university rich in tradition. Inspired by curiosity about the unknown, we enable around 25,000 students and 5,800 employees to advance science for society. Join us in breaking new ground and writing success stories - your own and those of our university.
Support us from October 1st, 2026 as a
Doctoral student (m/f/d)
in the field of RNA Biology
The position is part of the DFG-funded SFB/Transregio 440 „smART: specific mRNA targeting“ - project „Targeting eucaryotic mRNAs: Regulation of mRNA structure and translation by Cbf5-mediated pseudouridylation“ and is to be filled on a fixed-term basis in accordance with § 2 WissZeitVG and § 72 HessHG with the opportunity for own academic qualification at the Chair of Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry at the Faculty of Biology and Chemistry. The salary is in accordance with the collective labour agreement of the State of Hessen (E 13 TV-H).
As long as the maximum permissible duration of a fixed-term contract is not exceeded, you will be employed for an period of 45 months.
Your tasks at a glance
Pseudouridine is the most abundant of the approximately 160 known RNA modifications and is present in about 10% of mRNAs in both humans and yeast. However, its physiological function in mRNA remains largely unknown. The aim of this PhD project is to investigate the role of mRNA pseudouridylation in the regulation of eukaryotic gene expression and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms.
The project focuses on the characterization of Cbf5-mediated mRNA pseudouridylation in the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Initially, the effects of pseudouridylation on RNA structure and translation will be analyzed using a selected mRNA, followed by transcriptome-wide analyses to identify pseudouridylation sites and their functional consequences. In addition, the underlying mechanisms will be investigated in mammalian cells to determine the conservation of these regulatory processes. The long-term goal is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the function of mRNA pseudouridylation and its potential application for the targeted regulation of gene expression.
The provision of academic services (including the processing of a research project financed by third party funds on a temporary basis) also serves the purpose of academic qualification. (Doctorate)
Your qualifications and competences
- Completed Master‘s or equivalent university degree in biology, biochemistry or a similar subject with a focus on molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry and/or genetics
- Knowledge in RNA biology or gene expression and pseudouridylation of mRNA
- Very good English language skills
Our offer to you
- Exciting research activities in an international team
- Possibility to contribute new insights to our understanding of vital processes such as post-transcriptional gene regulation
- Superbly equipped research laboratory
- Learning and mastering many RNA-biological and -biochemical methods
- Excellent support during the doctoral thesis
- A diversified job with flexible working hours
- Presentation of research results at international conferences
- Opportunities to develop strong research skills and a solid academic profile
- Free use of local public transport (LandesTicket Hessen)
- More than 100 training seminars, workshops and e-learning opportunities per year for personal development, as well as a wide range of health and sports activities
- Remuneration according to TV-H, company pension scheme, child allowance and special payments
- Good compatibility of family and career (certificate "audit familiengerechte Hochschule")
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Prof. Dr. Katja Sträßer by e-mail (katja.straesser).
JLU welcomes qualified applications regardless of biological and social gender, disability, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, age as well as sexual orientation and identity. The JLU aims for a higher proportion of women in accordance with the women's promotion plan. We therefore particularly encourage qualified female candidates to apply. JLU is certified as a family-friendly university. Applications from disabled people of equal aptitude will be given preference.
You want to break new ground with us?
Apply via our online form by July 28th, 2026, indicating reference number 300/08. We look forward to receiving your application.
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