Germany – PhD in Biochemistry at Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel

Germany – PhD in Biochemistry

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University: Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel

Country: Germany

Deadline:

Fields: Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Chemistry, Medicine

Are you passionate about unraveling the intricate mechanisms that govern cellular processes, and do you aspire to contribute to cutting‑edge biomedical research that could have a profound impact on our understanding of disease and health? If you are eager to advance your career in biochemistry and molecular biology while working with state‑of‑the‑art technologies in a stimulating academic environment, this fully funded PhD opportunity at Christian‑Albrechts‑University of Kiel could be your next academic milestone.

Christian‑Albrechts‑University of Kiel (CAU), established in 1665, is one of Germany’s oldest and most prestigious universities. Located in the vibrant city of Kiel, the capital of Schleswig‑Holstein, CAU is renowned for its commitment to excellence in research and teaching. The university is the largest in the region and boasts a dynamic academic community, with strong interdisciplinary collaborations across its faculties. The Medical Faculty, home to the Institute of Biochemistry, is recognized for its innovative research in life sciences and its supportive, international environment.

Kiel itself offers a high standard of living, a welcoming atmosphere, and a beautiful coastal setting, making it an ideal place for both academic pursuit and personal growth.

The advertised PhD position focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate glycosylation within the Golgi apparatus, with a particular emphasis on the proteolytic cleavage of Golgi‑resident enzymes. The research group, led by Dr. Matthias Voss, has made significant contributions to the understanding of SPPL3—a primary protease involved in the regulation of glycosylation by cleaving Golgi enzymes. Glycosylation, a fundamental post‑translational modification, plays a critical role in numerous physiological processes, including immune response and cancer biology.

Dissecting the regulation of SPPL3 and its impact on glycosylation not only advances basic biological knowledge but also holds potential for developing novel therapeutic strategies, particularly in the context of tumor immune evasion and other glycosylation‑dependent diseases.

The successful PhD candidate will join Dr. Matthias Voss’s research group at the Institute of Biochemistry, which is distinguished by its long‑standing expertise in protease and membrane protein research. The group utilizes cutting‑edge methodologies such as genome editing, advanced cellular models, high‑resolution imaging, and proteomics to investigate the molecular regulation of SPPL3 activity and Golgi enzyme processing. The project is newly funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and offers close supervision and mentoring.

There is also the opportunity for the student to be associated with the DFG‑funded Research Training Group ReMPro, which fosters scientific collaboration and career development. The Institute is equipped with state‑of‑the‑art facilities and offers a stimulating, internationally oriented scientific environment.

• A completed academic university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in a relevant field such as biochemistry, biology, chemistry, or medicine, with very good or good grades. Proof of completion must be provided no later than the start of the contract.
• Demonstrated expertise in molecular and cell biology techniques, with prior in-depth experience in high‑resolution imaging being highly desirable. Additional experience with cell culture, animal models, proteomics, bioinformatics, and other advanced methodologies is advantageous.
• Proven ability to work independently on scientific projects in an academic research laboratory setting.
• Broad education in cell biology, and ideally some background in immunology and cancer biology.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English (comparable to C1 level; formal proof not required).
• Strong…