Friedrich Schiller University is a traditional university with a strong research profile rooted in the heart of Germany. As a university covering all disciplines, it offers a wide range of subjects. Its research is focused on the areas Light—Life—Liberty. It is closely networked with non-research institutions, research companies and renowned cultural institutions. With around 18,000 students and more than 8,600 employees, the university plays a major role in shaping Jena’s character as a cosmopolitan and future-oriented city.

The Research Group Comparative Developmental Biology let by Prof. Dr. Andreas Hejnol at the Institute for Zoology and Evolutionary Research seeks to fill the position of a

Doctoral Researcher
in Comparative Developmental Biology of Animals

commencing on 01 November 2023 or later. We offer a part-time position (50%, 20 hours per week) for three years.

The Hejnol Lab conducts several projects that range from genomic analyses, comparative morphology, to advanced comparative developmental biological approaches in non-model organisms. We combine methods in molecular biology, genomics, electron- and light microscopy, and single cell-omics to study the embryos of marine and limnic animals. The projects connect the genotype-level of organisation with the phenotype and analyse the results using the comparative evolutionary approach. The mission of our group is to understand how nature's fascinating phenotypic diversity has evolved and how genomic, cellular, and developmental changes led to this diversity. You get more information here: hejnol-lab.com

Since the Principal Investigator Andreas Hejnol is also director of the Phyletic Museum the lab actively contributes to its outreach activities. English is the working language in our lab.

The PhD student is expected to analyse the embryology of different invertebrates with molecular and microscopic methods within an evolutionary context. In particular, the focus is on the description of animal cell-lineages using time-lapse recordings of living embryos and to combine this data with molecular descriptive and functional methods (e.g. laser cell ablation, gene manipulations) to uncover cell fate determination. The overarching question is how animal cell lineages evolved and how this relates to the evolutionary changes in the genotype and phenotype. The contribution to teaching (2 SWS) and science communication, for example via the Phyletic Museum, is expected.

Your responsibilities:

• Intense collaboration with project partners in zoology, genomics and developmental biology
• Work on an own scientific qualification project, i.e. doctorate degree
• PhD project planning, project coordination, experimental work, reporting, and communication
• Generate scientific output in terms of publications, posters, presentations, and PhD thesis, including participation at international conferences
• Guidance of Bachelor/Master students and/or interns

Your profile:

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Biology; candidates expected to earn their degree before September 2023 are welcome to apply
• A solid background in developmental biology and zoology
• Experience in evolutionary biology is of advantage.
• Enthusiasm to play an active role in the interdisciplinary research team
• Highly motivated and creative personality, with an interest to shape their own thesis project
• Very good written and oral communication skills in English

We offer:

• Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L) at salary scale 13 — depending on the candidate’s personal qualifications—, including a special annual payment in accordance with the collective agreement.
• Opportunity for research in an innovative and international research team that works with a diverse range of invertebrates.
• A communicative atmosphere within a scientific institute providing top-level research facilities and participation in international and national conferences, summer schools and workshops.
• Outstanding options for outreach activities, teaching, and student supervision.
• 30 days of vacation per calendar year plus two days off on December 24 and 31

Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability.

Are you eager to work for us? Then apply by 13 September 2023, extended to 8 October 2023 using our online form.