The Institute of Biochemistry of the Medical Faculty at Kiel University (CAU) is seeking to appoint a PhD student (m/f/d) to join the research group of Dr. Matthias Voss as soon as possible. This is a fixed-term position limited to 36 months and the regular weekly working hours correspond to 65% of full-time employment (currently 25.16 hours). The salary is based on pay grade E 13 TV-L, provided the collective bargaining agreement requirements are met.
The group’s research interest is centered around the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of glycosylation in the Golgi apparatus. A specific aim is to dissect how the proteolytic cleavage of Golgi-resident enzymes is regulated and contributes to the overall organization of the Golgi. Building on the initial description of SPPL3 as primary protease cleaving Golgi enzymes and thus regulating cellular glycosylation (Voss et al. (2014), EMBO J), the laboratory has more recently employed state-of-the-art genome editing, tailored cellular models and advanced proteomics and imaging to further define the substrate spectrum of SPPL3 (Hobohm et al. (2022), Cell Mol Life Sci; Truberg et al. (2022), BBA Mol Cell Res; Brauer et al. (2024), EMBO J). Moreover, many independent studies have confirmed SPPL3’s capacity to act as a potent regulator of glycosylation-dependent physiological processes, e.g. in the context of tumor immune evasion.
The group’s research interest is centered around the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of glycosylation in the Golgi apparatus. A specific aim is to dissect how the proteolytic cleavage of Golgi-resident enzymes is regulated and contributes to the overall organization of the Golgi. Building on the initial description of SPPL3 as primary protease cleaving Golgi enzymes and thus regulating cellular glycosylation (Voss et al. (2014), EMBO J), the laboratory has more recently employed state-of-the-art genome editing, tailored cellular models and advanced proteomics and imaging to further define the substrate spectrum of SPPL3 (Hobohm et al. (2022), Cell Mol Life Sci; Truberg et al. (2022), BBA Mol Cell Res; Brauer et al. (2024), EMBO J). Moreover, many independent studies have confirmed SPPL3’s capacity to act as a potent regulator of glycosylation-dependent physiological processes, e.g. in the context of tumor immune evasion.
PhD student (m/f/d) - Regulation of Golgi glycosylation by proteolytic enzymes at Kiel University
Activities and responsibilities
As part of a newly DFG-funded project and with close supervision and mentoring, the prospective PhD student will investigate the molecular regulation of SPPL3 activity and Golgi enzyme processing in cellular and later-on also in vivo models in more detail using a wide range of methodologies and tools (e.g. molecular cloning and genome editing, immunoblotting, flow cytometry, high-resolution imaging and proteomics/terminomics).
Qualification profile
Your profile:
- a completed academic university degree in a relevant field (e.g. biochemistry, biology, chemistry, or medicine) with very good/good grades (proof of completion of the master’s degree must be submitted no later than the start of the contract)
- demonstrated expertise in molecular and cell biology techniques and ideally prior in-depth experience with in particular high-resolution imaging, but also cell culture and/or animal models, proteomics/bioinformatics, and other state-of-the-art methodologies
- demonstrated ability to independently work on a scientific project in an academic research lab
- well and broadly educated in cell biology, possibly also immunology and cancer biology
- fluent oral and written communication skills in English, comparable to level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (no formal proof required)
- good interpersonal and communication skills
We offer
With its strong and long-standing focus on protease and membrane protein research, the Institute of Biochemistry is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and offers a stimulating scientific environment. The prospective student could also be associated with the recently established DFG-funded Research Training Group ReMPro, further fostering scientific collaborations and career development.
The University also supports the employment of disabled persons. Persons with disabilities will, with appropriate qualification and aptitudes, be employed preferentially.
The Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel sees itself as a modern and cosmopolitan employer. We welcome your application regardless of your age, gender, cultural and social origin, religion, worldview, disability or personal identity. We support gender equality.
We also support the application of people with a foreign background.
The University strongly encourages women with appropriate qualifications to apply for the position. Women with equivalent qualifications, competence and expertise will be given preference.
The University also supports the employment of disabled persons. Persons with disabilities will, with appropriate qualification and aptitudes, be employed preferentially.
The Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel sees itself as a modern and cosmopolitan employer. We welcome your application regardless of your age, gender, cultural and social origin, religion, worldview, disability or personal identity. We support gender equality.
We also support the application of people with a foreign background.
The University strongly encourages women with appropriate qualifications to apply for the position. Women with equivalent qualifications, competence and expertise will be given preference.
We kindly ask that applications are submitted as a single PDF file, including (i) a motivation letter (maximum two pages) in which your research interests as well as your reasons and motivation for applying are convincingly presented, (ii) a CV, (iii) a brief description of previous research experience (maximum one page), and (iv) relevant certificates, by January 15, 2026, to:
Dr. Matthias Voss
Institute of Biochemistry
Kiel University,
email
Please note that applications containing only a CV will be considered incomplete and, unfortunately, cannot be taken into account in the further selection process. We explicitly request that you refrain from including photographs/photos in your application. Application documents sent by post will not be returned; they will be destroyed after the completion of the process, and all other materials will be deleted.
Dr. Matthias Voss
Institute of Biochemistry
Kiel University,
Please note that applications containing only a CV will be considered incomplete and, unfortunately, cannot be taken into account in the further selection process. We explicitly request that you refrain from including photographs/photos in your application. Application documents sent by post will not be returned; they will be destroyed after the completion of the process, and all other materials will be deleted.
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