PhD Student (f/m/d) Lanthanides in Bio-Systems: From Speciation to Novel Molecules and Functions – 2026/113 Part-time

PhD Student Lanthanides in Bio-Systems: From Speciation to Novel Molecules and Functions

With cutting-edge research in the fields of ENERGY, HEALTH and MATTER, around 1,500 employees from more than 70 nations at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) are committed to mastering the great challenges facing society today.

The Institute for Resource Ecology (IRE) conducts applied basic research into the protection of people and the environment from the effects of radioactive radiation.

The Department of Biophysics is looking for a PhD Student Lanthanides in Bio-Systems: From Speciation to Novel Molecules and Functions, subject to project approval.

Your Tasks

• Characterization of lanthanide speciation and bioavailability in environmental samples (soil, water)
• Screening for novel lanthanide-dependent biomolecules
• Spectroscopic and thermodynamic characterization of lanthanide-biomolecules (structure, stability, coordination environment)
• Isolation and cultivation of novel lanthanide-utilizing microorganisms
• Documentation, analysis and scientific publication of results (publications, conferences, dissertation)

Your Profile

• Completed university studies (Master/Diploma) in the field of Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics or a related field
• Experience in handling proteins/biomolecules and with microbiological cultivation techniques
• Safe handling of spectroscopic methods (e.g. fluorescence/laser spectroscopy, NMR, IR, CD)
• Knowledge of analytical chemistry/elemental analysis is an advantage
• Expertise in chemometrics/multivariate data analysis is desirable
• Willingness to work in radiation-controlled areas (including occupational health examination)
• Scientific curiosity and enthusiasm for complex, interdisciplinary questions
• Independent, structured and solution-oriented working style
• Strong team player with open communication, both within the immediate work environment and with project partners
• A keen interest in spectroscopic methods
• Proficiency in scientific software (e.g. Origin, MATLAB, Python)
• Excellent written and spoken English; German language skills an advantage

Our Offer

• A vibrant research community in an open, diverse and international work environment
• Scientific excellence and extensive professional networking opportunities
• A structured PhD program with a comprehensive range of continuing education and networking opportunities – more information about the PhD program at the HZDR can be found here
• Salary and social benefits in accordance with the collective agreement for the public sector (TVöD-Bund) including 30 days of paid holiday leave, company pension scheme (VBL)
• Depending on the personal qualifications, the candidate may be classified in salary group 13 according to TVöD-Bund
• We support a good work-life balance with the possibility of part-time employment, mobile working and flexible working hours
• Numerous company health management offerings
• Employee discounts with well-known providers via the platform Corporate Benefits
• An employer subsidy for the “Deutschland-Ticket Jobticket”

We look forward to receiving your application documents (including cover letter, CV, diplomas/transcripts, etc.), which you can submit via our online-application-system.