Open Positions

1

Time Span

as soon as possible for 3 years

Application Deadline

15 Jan 2026

Financing

yes

Areas of study

Physics, Experimental Physics, Biophysics, Physical Chemistry

Description

The Institute for X-ray Physics of the University of Göttingen welcomes applications for a

PhD Position (f, m, d)

starting as soon as possible. The salary is based on TV-L E13 (75 %, currently 29.85 hours/week). The position is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) within the CRC 1286 “Quantitative Synaptology” until 30.06.2029. 

Within this project, and in a collaboration with the University Medical Center (UMG) Göttingen, we will investigate forces generated by neuronal model cells during synaptic activity. The tasks include biophysical experiments with cells using optical microscopy and traction force microcopy, as well as data analysis, development of theoretical models, and preparation of data for presentations and publications.

We are looking for a motivated candidate, who
•    Holds a University Master’s degree (M.Sc.) in physics, biophysics, physical chemistry or a related field
•    Has completed a Master’s thesis of 6 months full time or equivalent
•    Has good programming and data analysis skills
•    Is interested in finding innovative, creative solutions
•    Is experienced or at least strongly interested in one of the following fields: traction force microscopy, light microscopy, cell biophysics.
•    Is fluent in English

What we offer:
•    An international, interdisciplinary, flexible and motivating working environment
•    Work in the state-of-the-art laboratories 
•    High-quality project supervision
•    Multiple training opportunities for career advancement.

The University of Göttingen is an equal opportunities employer and places particular emphasis on fostering career opportunities for women. Qualified women are therefore strongly encouraged to apply as they are underrepresented in the field. The university has committed itself to being a family-friendly institution and supports their employees in balancing work and family life. The mission of the University is to employ a greater number of severely disabled persons. Applications from severely disabled persons with equivalent qualifications will be given preference.

To apply for this position, please send your application documents to sarah.koester at uni-goettingen.de as a single PDF file including items in this order: cover letter, CV, list of publications, summary of relevant previous work (maximum one page), certificates and transcripts of previous degrees (B.Sc., M.Sc.), two names of senior researchers, who are willing to provide reference letters.

Please submit your application by January 15, 2026. If you have any questions, please contact Prof. Dr. Sarah Köster (sarah.koester at uni-goettingen.de, +49-551-39 29429). For more information about the research group, please visit the institute webpage: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/91107.html.
For details about the CRC, please consult the CRC webpage: https://www.sfb1286.de/

Please note:
With submission of your application, you accept the processing of your applicant data in terms of data-protection law. Further information on the legal basis and data usage is provided in the https://uni-goettingen.de/GDPR