PhD Student (all genders) in Vesicle Engineering and Membrane Protein Biochemistry

We are looking for a PhD student to join the Translational Oncology research group of Prof. Dr. Meike Saul at the II. Medical Clinic and Polyclinic, Center for Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE).

Your tasks:

• Expressing and purifying selected membrane proteins and incorporating them into synthetic lipid vesicles
• Preparing and characterising protein-functionalised vesicles, including assessment of vesicle properties, protein incorporation and surface presentation
• Comparing the cellular uptake of protein-functionalised vesicles, appropriate control vesicles and natural EVs in medulloblastoma and non-malignant brain cell models
• Learning and applying established workflows for EV handling, isolation and quantitative uptake assays, including fluorescence microscopy and image analysis
• Analysing and interpreting results, presenting your findings and contributing to scientific publications

This position is to be filled with 65 % of the regular weekly working hours and temporary for three years in accordance with the WissZeitVG.

• A Master’s degree or equivalent in biochemistry, biotechnology, biophysics, chemistry, molecular biology or a related discipline
• A strong interest in vesicle engineering and membrane protein biochemistry. Practical experience in at least one relevant area, such as liposomes, synthetic vesicles, membrane protein purification or protein reconstitution, is particularly welcome. Experience with lipid nanoparticles may also be relevant
• Willingness to learn EV handling, cell-based uptake assays and quantitative imaging. Previous experience with EVs is not required
• A careful and reliable approach to experimental work, curiosity and a collaborative working style, including open discussion of results and methodological challenges
• Very good written and spoken English

• Fair and transparent compensation in accordance with our collective bargaining agreement (TVöD/VKA) (€ 63,600 – € 91,100), taking into account qualifications and professional experience. The salary range applies to a full-time position of 38.5 hours per week. The amounts listed are guidelines and do not constitute a salary guarantee.
• Targeted and individualized professional development at both the technical and project levels is provided, offering long-term prospects in a meaningful work environment
• Comprehensive continuing education and training programs at our UKE Academy for Education and Career
• Opportunities to help shape our “UKE INside” personnel policy through cross-functional and cross-hierarchical projects
• Sustainable commuting: Subsidies for the Deutschlandticket as a job ticket and Dr. Bike bicycle service
• Excellent health, prevention, and sports programs
• Family-friendly work environment: Partnerships for childcare, free vacation care, counseling for employees with family members requiring care
• A secure job, meaningful work, and a supportive team environment
• Structured onboarding and open knowledge sharing within the team
• Our employee restaurant offers a wide variety of culinary options; additional options are available at the “Health Kitchen” cafés and bistros and at a supermarket located directly on the premises

We live diversity and value variety

We offer a work environment that provides equal opportunities regardless of age, gender, sexual identity, disability, ethnic and social origin, or religion. This is confirmed by our accession to the Charter of Diversity. We explicitly aim to increase the proportion of women in management positions, especially among scientific personnel in research and teaching. Women with equal qualifications will be given priority. The same applies in the case of under-representation of one gender in the advertised area. Persons with severe disabilities with equal aptitude, competence, and professional performance will be given priority.

> Learn more about "Diversity at UKE" here.