Open Positions

2

Time Span

01 Jun 2026 for 3 years

Application Deadline

30 Apr 2026

Financing

yes

Areas of study

Biology, Human Medicine

Description

The Centre for Integrative Biological Signaling Studies (CIBSS) and the Faculty of Biology at the University of Freiburg are pleased to announce two open PhD positions in the newly founded Emmy-Noether funded research group of Dr. Ali Seleit. The lab focu 2 PhD Positions in Developmental Biology (m/f/d) – Emmy Noether Group, Dr. Ali Seleit

Project Description
The successful candidates will drive independent research projects supported by the prestigious
DFG Emmy-Noether Programme. Both PhD candidates will focus on projects utilizing the Japanese rice fish, Oryzias latipes (medaka) and related species, to further our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms underlying the control of developmental timing in vertebrates.

Key methodologies in the lab include:

• Genome editing: CRISPR/Cas9 microinjections in Oryzias species to generate knock-in
  (KI) lines and knock-outs (Crispants)
• Genetic hybridization: hybrid F1 and F2 families from different Oryzias species
• Multi-omics: scRNAseq, proteomics and metabolic profiling of Oryzias species
• Genomic analysis: building and annotating genomes of Oryzias species
• Advanced Imaging: 4D-confocal and light-sheet imaging of fluorescently tagged
  endogenous proteins during embryonic development in Oryzias species

Required Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Biology, Molecular Medicine, Genetics, or a closely
  related field.
• Hands-on experience with standard molecular biology techniques (e.g., PCR, gel
  electrophoresis, molecular cloning and DNA/RNA sequencing).
• Basic coding and computational data analysis skills (e.g., Python/R/Imaris/Fiji)
• Strong critical thinking skills, high intrinsic motivation, and an independent, well-organized
  work style.

Highly Encouraged (but not required):

• Previous experience working with aquatic model systems (medaka, zebrafish, killifish).
• Experience with advanced light microscopy and quantitative image analysis.
• Experience with sequencing library preparation (DNA/RNA) or advanced computational
  data analysis (e.g. scRNAseq, proteomics, de-novo genome assembly and annotation).

What We Offer:

• A fully funded DFG Emmy-Noether PhD position (65 % E13) for 36 months, with the
  possibility of extension.
• A dynamic, collaborative, and interdisciplinary research environment within the CIBSS
  Cluster of Excellence and the Faculty of Biology at the University of Freiburg.
• Opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research in developmental genetics and
  vertebrate biology.
• Supportive mentorship and training in advanced molecular, genomic, and imaging
  techniques.
• Integration into the Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM) at the
  University of Freiburg, offering structured thesis advisory committees and career
  development opportunities.

Further information on the lab you can find: https://seleit-lab.com

How to apply:

Please submit your complete application in English – including a cover letter detailing your
research interests and motivation, a CV, relevant transcripts/certificates, and the contact details of two academic references – as a single PDF document

Please send your application in English including supporting documents mentioned above citing the reference number 00004923, by 30. April 2026 at the latest. Please send your application to the following address in written or electronic form:

Please send your application electronically via email, citing the reference "PhD-Seleit-2026", to: ali.seleit at cibss.uni-freiburg.de by 01.05.2026 at the latest

The position is limited to 31. Mai 2029. The salary will be determined in accordance with E13 TV-L.

We will be particularly pleased to receive applications from women for the position advertised here.