The laboratory of Christoph Fahlke in the Institute of Biological Information Processing – Molekular und Zellphysiologie - is looking for a PhD student with a thesis project that aims at studying glutamate accumulation in synaptic vesicles of Drosophila melanogaster. We are an interdisciplinary group focusing on the molecular and cellular function of membrane transport proteins and on their dysfunction in genetic and acquired human diseases with high socially relevant benefit.
For more information see: PNAS (2013) 110, 12486-12491, Cell (2015) 160, 542-553, Nat Commun (2017) 8, 2279, EMBO J (2019) 38, e101468, Sci Adv (2020) 6, eaba9854, Brain (2012) 135, 3416-3425, Nature Genet (2018) 50, 349-354, Brain Comms (2020) 4, fcaa022, Epilepsia (2022) 63, 388-401.

We are offering a

PhD Position - Glutamate transport in synaptic vesicles

Your Job:

The PhD project focuses on the analysis of glutamatergic synaptic transmission in WT and mutant Drosophila. Your tasks in detail will be:

• Generate transgenic animals with mutant versicular glutamate transporters
  
• Analyse changes in synaptic transmission in transgenic animals and to develop a quantitative model that integrates synaptic vesicle filling, movement and fusion
  
• Participate in conferences in Germany and abroad (incl. presenting your research results)
  
• Prepare scientific publications and project reports
  
• Interact with internal and external as well as national and international project partners

Your Profile:

• University degree in Biophysics/Biochemistry, with an overall grade of at least “gut” (or equivalent, e.g. cum laude)
  
• Scientific expertise: Expertise in the field of molecular biology and electrophysiology
  
• Fluent command of written and spoken English
  
• High degree of independence and commitment
  
• Very reliable and conscientious style of working
  
• Excellent ability to cooperate and work in a team
  

Please feel free to apply for the position even if you do not have all the required skills and knowledge. We may be able to teach you missing skills during your induction.

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree:

• Opportunity to get expertise in state-of-art techniques and strategies in the field of molecular biology and electrophysiology
  
• We will provide continuous scientific mentoring and discussions by the scientific advisor
  
• The doctoral degree will be conferred by the Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf
  
• A highly motivated group as well as an international and interdisciplinary working environment at one of Europe`s largest research establishments
  
• A large research campus with green spaces, offering the best possible means for networking with colleagues and pursuing sports alongside work
  
• Flexible working hours, part-time employment with 19,5 working hours per week, and 30 days of annual leave
  
• Further development of your personal strengths, e.g. through an extensive range of training courses; a structured program of continuing education and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral researchers via JuDocS, the Jülich Center for Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors: https://www.fz-juelich.de/judocs
  
• Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service
  

The position is initially for a fixed term of 3 years. Pay in line with 50% of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) and additionally 60 % of a monthly salary as special payment („Christmas bonus“). Further information on doctoral degrees at Forschungszentrum Jülich including our other locations is available at: www.fz-juelich.de/gp/Careers_Docs

Forschungszentrum Jülich promotes equal opportunities and diversity in its employment relations.
We also welcome applications from disabled persons.

The job will be advertised until the position has been successfully filled. You should therefore submit your application as soon as possible. We look forward to receiving your application via our
Online-Recruitment-System!