PhD position (f/m/x) CRC 1218 on Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences Institute of Biochemistry | Riemer lab mitochondrial regulation of cellular function

PhD position (f/m/x) CRC 1218 on ‘mitochondrial regulation of cellular function’
Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
Institute of Biochemistry | Riemer lab

We are one of the largest and oldest universities in Europe and one of the most important employers in our region. Our broad range of subjects, the dynamic development of our main research areas and our central location in Cologne make us attractive for students and researchers from around the world. We offer a wide range of career opportunities in science, technology, and administration.

In the framework of the Collaborative Research Centre (CRC) / Sonderforschungsbereich (SFB) 1218 on “mitochondrial regulation of cellular function” (www.sfb1218.uni-koeln.de), scientists from different research institutions in Cologne have teamed up to study how mitochondria influence activity, differentiation and survival of the cell. The CRC 1218 has been funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) since July 2016. In the framework of the CRC 1218, the Riemer lab searches for a doctoral candidate (f/m/x).

The Riemer lab (https://riemerlab.uni-koeln.de/) is part of the Institute for Biochemistry at the University of Cologne. We are interested in mitochondrial redox biology and biogenesis and their links to cellular metabolism, and employ a wide toolbox of biochemical and cell biological methods including state-of-the-art proteomics, biochemical reconstitution experiments, and genetically encoded redox sensors.

YOUR TASKS

• The doctoral candidate will perform a project with the goal to understand how redox signals help mitochondria to communicate with the remainder of the cell, and how they affect mitochondrial outer membrane proteostasis.The doctoral candidate will employ a wide variety of biochemical and cell biological experiments including unbiased -omics experiments and approaches with genetically encoded fluorescent proteins to uncover molecular mechanisms underlying different aspects of redox signalling from and within mammalian mitochondria.

YOUR PROFILE

• We search for a doctoral candidate with a M.Sc. background in molecular biology, biochemistry, molecular medicine or biological chemistry with curiosity and enthusiasm for biochemical research.
• Ability to plan experiments, develop methods and carry out analyses, and summarize results in English is a requirement.
• Having worked on a topic focussing on molecular mechanisms of cellular processes during their Master thesis would be advantageous.

WE OFFER

• A diverse working environment with equal opportunities
• Support in balancing work and family life
• Extensive advanced training opportunities
• Occupational health management offers
• Flexible working time models

The University of Cologne promotes equal opportunities and diversity. Women will be considered preferentially in accordance with the Equal Opportunities Act of North Rhine-Westphalia
(Landesgleichstellungsgesetz – LGG NRW). We also expressly welcome applications from all suitable candidates regardless of their gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.

The position is available from 01.10.2025 on a part-time basis (25,89 hours per week). It is initially limited to two years. If the applicant meets the relevant wage requirements and personal qualifications, the salary will be based on remuneration group 13 TV-L of the pay scale for the German public sector.

Please apply online with proof of the required qualifications without a photo including a short letter describing your motivation for applying for this position under: https://jobportal.uni-koeln.de. The reference number is Wiss2507-03. The application deadline is 04.09.2025.

For further inquiries, please contact Professor Dr Jan Riemer (jan.riemer@uni-koeln.de) and take a look at our FAQs.