Working at Charité

In the heart of Berlin, the Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin is one of the largest and most research-intensive medical faculties in Europe. Our research group at the Institute of Biochemistry investigates the molecular mechanisms by which astrocytes provide crucial support to the central nervous system (CNS) and protect it from disease and injury. Our main focus is on recently discovered mechanisms of cytoskeleton-mediated membrane transport that are relevant for neuroprotection in traumatic brain and spinal cord injury.

Overview of the position

The DFG-funded research project is based in the CharitéCrossOver (CCO) at Campus Charité Mitte .
The ideal candidate will study in astrocytes how the GTPases Raba and Rab8b faciliate the interaction of tubule-like endosomes with autophagosomes. A key aspect of this research project will be to investigate how astrocytes use these membrane trafficking processes to regulate neuronal functions and provide protection in injury settings. In this project, cell culture experiments, real-time fluorescence microscopy of living cells, protein-biochemical analyses, immunohistochemistry and in vivo mouse models will be used.

Key responsibilities are to:

• Conduct independent and collaborative research in the field of molecular neuroscience
• Analyse and interpret experimental data
• Assist in preparing manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals
• Present findings in seminars and at conferences
• Collaborate with team members and contribute to ongoing projects

Scientific employees will be given sufficient time for their own scientific work in accordance to §110 BerlHG.

What we are looking for

We are looking for an enthusiastic and determined PhD student to join the research group of Dr Kai Murk at the Institute of Biochemistry at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin. We welcome applications from highly motivated candidates with a Master's degree in life sciences (see below).

Requirements:

• Master's degree in neurobiology, cell biology, biochemistry or similar
• Proof of motivation and scientific skills, preferably through published research papers and letters of recommendation
• Preferably, the candidate has experimental experience in molecular biology and biochemistry, cell culture, (live) fluorescence microscopy (confocal, spinning disc and/or super resolution) and/or animal experiments with mice
• A qualification to conduct animal experiments (FELASA B certificate) is desirable

Charité offers you

• Highly professional work environment in motivated and interdisciplinary teams
• A future-oriented, varied and demanding position with a high grade of personal responsibility and personal decision making opportunities
• Intercultural team events, well structured onboarding phase with kind team members
• Special offers in the areas of shopping, travel and sports
• Bike leasing via "JobRad" possible, bike repair workshop with subsidised price conditions for employees available
• Additional pension program with a company wide pension scheme
• Certification as a family friendly university and company since 2007 - You may find further information here

Information regarding the position

• Salary group E13 according to TVöD- VKA- K. The classification is based on qualification, the respective experience level is calculated from the years of professional experience. The annual salary (gross) is given for a full-time position without annual bonus, allowances and additional services
• The working time is part-time with 25,03 hours per week
• At our company 30 days of vacation are standard
• The position is limited to 3 years, as it is tied to the project duration
• The application deadline is on: 11.07.2025
• Reference number: 4962