Biologe (m/w/d)

Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf; Hamburg; On-site; EUR 64,000 - 91,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

TVöD/VKA salary

UKE Academy training

Deutschlandticket subsidy

Dr. Bike service

Health and sports programs

Family-friendly policies

Employee restaurant

Job summary

The University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) invites applications for a PhD student position in the Translational Oncology research group of Prof. Dr. Meike Saul at the II. Medical Clinic and Polyclinic, Center for Oncology. You will engage in membrane protein vesicle engineering, EV handling and quantitative imaging.

The role is part-time (65% of a full-time week) for three years, with training opportunities at UKE and cross-disciplinary collaboration. English proficiency is required.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related biochemistry field.
• Strong interest in vesicle engineering and membrane protein biochemistry.
• Experience in liposomes, synthetic vesicles, membrane protein purification or reconstitution.
• Willingness to learn EV handling and quantitative imaging.
• Good written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

• Express and purify selected membrane proteins and incorporate into synthetic lipid vesicles.
• Prepare and characterize protein-functionalised vesicles and assess vesicle properties.
• Compare cellular uptake of vesicles in medulloblastoma and non-malignant brain cell models.
• Learn EV handling, isolation and quantitative uptake assays, including fluorescence microscopy and image analysis.
• Analyze results, present findings and contribute to publications.

Skills

Vesicle engineering

Membrane protein biochemistry

Protein purification

Lipid nanoparticles

Cell-based uptake assays

Quantitative imaging

Team collaboration

English proficiency

Education

Master’s degree in biochemistry/biotechnology/biophysics/chemistry/molecular biology or related discipline

Tools

Fluorescence microscopy

ImageJ

Job description

Better together. For life.

At the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), we are committed to excellence in research, education, and comprehensive healthcare across our clinics. Every day, our team of approximately 17,000 dedicated employees works to make the world a healthier place. Our goal is to be one of the leading university hospitals while also being the best employer in our industry.

At UKE, we believe that meaningful and successful work should align with our employees’ personal needs and individual lifestyles. Just as diverse as these needs are, so too is the variety of personalized solutions we offer.

Welcome to the UKE. 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.

Requirements

• 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

Immunity status

Please note that employment is contingent upon proof of immunization or immunity against the measles virus, in accordance with applicable legal and medical requirements. Documentation (e.g., vaccination certificate) must be provided before employment begins.

Compensation and Benefits

• 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 opti