PhD Position – Experimental Space Biology and Biophysics

European Geosciences Union; Gießen; On-site; EUR 45,000 - 55,000; Part time

Job summary

Justus Liebig University Giessen invites applications for a funded PhD position in Experimental Space Biology and Biophysics (ExocubeBio). The successful candidate will join ElsaesserLab to explore how microorganisms respond to space conditions, using microbial cultivation, microfluidic experiments, and in-situ fluorescence and absorption measurements alongside laboratory reference work.

Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in microbiology, biology, biophysics, biotechnology, or a related

Qualifications

• Master's degree in microbiology, biology, biophysics, biotechnology, or a related discipline.
• Strong practical laboratory experience in microbiology and cultivation required.
• Experience with fluorescence spectroscopy, microscopy, or microfluidics is welcome.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to ExocubeBio planned for the ISS and ESA experiments.
• Perform microbial cultivation and microfluidic experiments.
• Conduct in-situ fluorescence and absorption measurements and compare with lab references.
• Study microbial survival and physiological responses under space-like stress.

Skills

Laboratory techniques

Fluorescence spectroscopy

Microscopy

Microfluidics

Education

Master

Job description

PhD Position – Experimental Space Biology and Biophysics

Employer

Justus Liebig University Giessen

Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU) is a research university in Germany. ElsaesserLab at the Institute of Experimental Physics I conducts research in experimental space physics, astrochemistry, astrobiology, radiation–matter interactions, and advanced spectroscopy. The group combines laboratory simulation experiments with space-based investigations, including the ESA-selected OREOcube and Exocube experiments for the International Space Station.

Planetary and Solar System Sciences (PS)

Type

Level

Entry level

75% TV-H E13 (German public-sector salary scale). Fixed-term employment for 36 months.

Required education

Master

3 November 2026

Posted

16 October 2026

PhD Position – Experimental Space Biology and Biophysics (ExocubeBio)

ElsaesserLab at Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany, invites applications for a funded PhD position in Experimental Space Biology and Biophysics.

The successful candidate will contribute to ExocubeBio, part of the ESA-selected Exocube experiment for the International Space Station (ISS). The research investigates how microorganisms respond to space conditions, combining microbial cultivation, microfluidic experiments, in-situ fluorescence and absorption measurements, and laboratory reference experiments.

The project combines experimental microbiology, biophysics, and laboratory simulations of space environments to investigate microbial survival and physiological responses under environmental stress relevant to planetary science and astrobiology.

Candidate profile

Applicants should hold a Master's degree in microbiology, biology, biophysics, biotechnology, or a related discipline. Practical laboratory experience in microbiological methods and microbial cultivation is particularly important. Experience with fluorescence spectroscopy, microscopy, or microfluidics is welcome.

• Duration: 3 years (36 months)
• Starting date: As soon as possible