For our location in Hamburg we are seeking:
Remuneration Group 13 | Limited: 3 years | Starting date: earliest possible | ID: FSDO020/2025 | Deadline: 15.01.2025 | Full-time/Part-time
DESY, with more than 2900 employees at its two locations in Hamburg and Zeuthen, is one of the world's leading research centres. Its research focuses on decoding the structure and function of matter, from the smallest particles of the universe to the building blocks of life. In this way, DESY contributes to solving the major questions and urgent challenges facing science, society and industry. With its ultramodern research infrastructure, its interdisciplinary research platforms and its international networks, DESY offers a highly attractive working environment in the fields of science, technology and administration as well as for the education of highly qualified young scientists.
The Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB) is an international, interdisciplinary research center on the DESY campus where scientists from ten different university and non-university institutions work together to investigate the structure, dynamics and function of pathogens and their host interactions.
The Sondermann lab [Link] is interested in deciphering the molecular processes that determine bacterial interactions in microbial communities. This PhD project focuses on bacterial secretion systems involved in these processes and is funded by a Germany-wide network on illuminating gene functions of the human intestinal microbiota. There will be ample of opportunities to connect with other groups locally and nationally.
- Research on the type VI secretion system of Bacteroidota present in the mammalian intestine
- Presentation and publication of research results
- Active role as a member of the research group
- Close collaboration with our project partner Prof. Unterweger at the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
- Participation in activities of the research consortium
Look forward to a unique working environment on our international research campus. Respectful cooperation and the well-being of our DESY employees are particularly important to us. Gender equality is an important aspect for us. To support work life balance we offer flexible working hours and variable part-time. You will benefit from our family-friendly and collegial atmosphere, our established health management and occupational pension provision. As a public funded employer, we offer you a secure workplace and facilitate your individual career with our comprehensive training and development opportunities. Remuneration is according to the regulations of the TV-AVH. DESY offers its employees a financial supplement for a German job ticket (Deutschland-Ticket) at both locations.
Special benefits:
- The position is limited to three years, with the possibility of extension
- Your workplace is located at the Centre for Structural System Biology (CSSB) on the DESY campus and is easily accessible by public transport
- Scientific training at one of Europe’s leading research infrastructures
- Membership in the Graduate School Life of Kiel University
- Membership in a Germany-wide network in microbiome science
Limited: 3 years
- You are fascinated by microbiology and have a strong desire to learn and grow professionally.
- You have a Master’s degree in the biosciences or are close to completing such a degree.
- You are experienced with techniques in at least one of the areas of molecular microbiology, structural biology, and protein biochemistry.
- You thrive in a team and your writing and communication skills in English are excellent.
For further information please contact Prof. Holger Sondermann at +49 40 8998-87680 (holger.sondermann@cssb-hamburg.de).
DESY in Hamburg does not grant doctoral degrees directly but collaborates with the University of Kiel. Candidates for thesis research will have to satisfy the terms of admission for doctoral theses of the University of Kiel. PhD students receive a monthly salary of 65% of the payment of the remuneration group 13 TVöD (Federal Government).
Please submit your complete application documents (letter of motivation, CV, relevant certificates and two letters of references) via our application portal. Please use our online tool for the submission of the letters of reference:Additional application documents
We look forward to receiving your application via our application portal:
Apply now
DESY promotes equal opportunities and diversity. The professional development of women is very important to us and therefore we strongly encourage women to apply for the vacant position. Applications from severely disabled persons will be given preference if they are equally qualified (sbv.desy.de).
You can find further information here:
https://www.desy.de/career/
Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY
Personalabteilung
Notkestraße 85
22607 Hamburg
Phone: +49 40 8998-3392
Deadline for applications: 16.01.2026
