PhD position (f/m/d) in translational biochemistry/biophysics with focus on neurogenetic disorders

The University Hospital Ulm and its employees stand for a modern and high quality patient care, excellent university research and medical education focused on the future as well as apprenticeships in attractive professional fields. The requirements for this are qualified and committed employees.



Are you an aspiring scientist passionate about transcending the traditional boundaries of medicine and natural sciences? We invite Ph.D. students to join our innovative and dynamic research team, where we are revolutionizing the approach to pediatric neurogenetic disorders and muscular dystrophies.
The position is open immediately in the research group for neurogenomics and translational myology of of Prof.Dr.Sebahattin Cirak, who is Section Head of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolics at University Ulm.
Prof. Dr. Sebahattin Cirak, a former DFG Emmy Noether Group leader, a qualified chemist and experienced physician-scientist in the field of neurogenetics and muscular dystrophy is seeking visionary and enthusiastic students who are driven to achieve excellence and make impact in the molecular medicine.
The research laboratory is located within the large pediatric research center

Join our dynamic research group within the German Center for Child and Adolescent Health (DZKJ), an innovative hub currently being established as the youngest German Center for Health Research. Explore an exciting career opportunity on the leading edge of pediatric research in Germany, where your contributions can make a lasting impact

Your project:

Our Vision: Our team is dedicated to using cutting-edge methodologies and technical innovations to tackle longstanding challenges in medical science. We believe in the power of interdisciplinary collaboration to drive forward groundbreaking discoveries.

Research Focus: Our primary goal is to unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying pediatric neurogenetic disorders and muscular dystrophies. By understanding these mechanisms at a fundamental level, we aim to pave the way for personalized treatment strategies.

Methodological Excellence: Our approach involves the expression of recombinant mutant proteins, followed by rigorous biochemical and biophysical characterization. This process is crucial for understanding disease mechanisms at the molecular level. Additionally, we incorporate advanced in-silico methods, including molecular modeling, to complement our experimental work.

Transdisciplinary Approach: Our research ethos is firmly rooted in transdisciplinarity. We seek to integrate diverse scientific perspectives to develop and refine personalized treatment approaches. This includes the exploration of suitable chemical chaperones and other novel therapeutic avenues.

Innovation in Validation: We leverage the latest in genomics technology, employing patient samples and in-vitro models for further validation of our findings. This approach ensures that our research is not only pioneering but also grounded in real-world applicability.

Join Us: As a Ph.D. student in our team, you will be at the forefront of scientific innovation, working alongside leading experts in the field. You will have the opportunity to contribute to research that has the potential to transform the lives of those affected by these challenging disorders.

Your Role: You will engage in cutting-edge research, develop your expertise in advanced scientific techniques, and collaborate with a network of renowned scientists and researchers. Your work will be instrumental in advancing our understanding and treatment of pediatric neurogenetic disorders and muscular dystrophies.

You will be part of a graduate school for PhD Students within the University Ulm.

Take the First Step: If you are ready to embark on a challenging yet rewarding scientific journey, we encourage you to apply. Join us in our quest to break new ground and make a lasting impact in the field of medical science.


Your responsibilities will include:

• Proteomics techniques for biomarker discovery and understanding of pathological pathways.
• Expression and Characterization of recombinant wild-type and mutant proteins by biophysical methods.
• Determination of the exact biochemical function of these proteins and screening for chemical chaperones stabilizing mutant proteins.
• Analysing multi-omics data including genomic sequences aiming to discover novel disease causing mutations.
• Working in collaboration with an international team under supervision and leadership of the PI.
• Publishing impactful original research papers.

Minimum qualifications:

• Masters degree or equivalent in natural sciences
• A strong interest in protein biochemistry or protein biophysics and/or glycobiology research
• Or a strong interest computational biology including protein modeling and next generation sequencing data analysis.
• A solid background in molecular biology is desired.
• Candidates with computational and programming skills are preferred.
• Candidates coming from chemistry and physics background also are encouraged to apply.
• Candidates should be creative and capable of developing a competitive research project while working in collaboration with postdocs and other team members under the supervision of the team leader.

We Offer:
Your salary will be based on qualification and experience including benefits according to TV-L E for PhD Students of %. The contract is currently valid until March 7; an extension depends on the performance of the candidate and on the funding situation and the PI will seek further institutional or third party funding. Very good scientific environment, broad repertoire of methods, supportive supervision and a friendly group. Short-term visits to other labs in Germany and abroad.

The Board of Directors of the University Hospital Ulm places strong emphasis on gender equality and seeks to increase the proportional representation of women in this field. Thus, applications from female scientists are welcome; suitably qualified women will be given preferential consideration unless other candidates clearly demonstrate superior qualifications.

We also welcome applications from disabled candidates, who will also be given preferential consideration over other applicants with comparable qualifications.

Die Einstellung erfolgt über die Verwaltung des Klinikums im Auftrag des Landes Baden-Württemberg. Personen mit Schwerbehinderung werden bei gleicher Eignung vorrangig eingestellt. Das Universitätsklinikum Ulm strebt die Erhöhung des Frauenanteils in den Bereichen an, in denen Sie unterrepräsentiert sind. Entsprechend qualifizierte Frauen werden um ihre Bewerbung gebeten. Eine an die Befristung anschließende Weiterbeschäftigung ist möglich.