GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung in Darmstadt operates one of the leading particle accelerators for science. Currently, the new FAIR ( F acility for A ntiproton and I on R esearch) one of the world´s largest research projects, is being built in international cooperation. GSI and FAIR offer the opportunity to work in this international environment with a team of employees committed to world-class science.

The Biophysics department is an interdisciplinary team of biologists, physicists, chemists, biochemists and technicians. The multidisciplinary research in our group covers a wide range of topics from radiobiology, radiation physics and space research to radiation therapy.

The radiobiological modelling group focuses on developing strategies and algorithms to quantity biologic effects of particle radiation based on underlying physics, biology and physiology. Within the BMFTR funded project "BIOMICRO” the temporal formation of radiation damage will be investigated. Radiation may induce elementary lesions like double strand breaks to the DNA in cell nuclei, which may interact within a certain time scale, giving rise to complex lesions. GSI is working on the quantification of such complex lesions in particular in dependence on radiation type.

Within this program, the GSI biophysics department offers a

PhD student position (all genders) on modelling radiation biophysics

Posting ID: 25.90-1530

Radiation-induced DNA damage, if unrepaired, can lead to persistent tissue damage and increase the risk of acute and chronic radiation effects. Complex DNA damage from ionizing radiation has a pivotal role for these outcomes. While much is known about spatial interactions of DNA lesions, less is understood about their temporal dynamics.

The candidate will adapt and develop biophysical models to explore the impact of temporal exposure variability on radiobiological endpoints, with results validated against experimental data in collaboration with project partners.

What we expect:

The candidate

• has a strong interest in radiobiology and radiation physics
• enjoys doing research in an interdisciplinary field between biology and physics
• is curious, open-minded, a team player, and well organized
• has interest in modelling complex systems, ideally for particle radiation effects.

Experience in these areas is therefore highly desirable.

Required qualifications:

• Master degree or equivalent degree in (bio-)-physics, mathematics or a related field
• Fluent English language skills

The position is initially limited for three years . We offer a job in an innovative, interdisciplinary and excellently equipped research group that is world leading in several fields of research.

The salary and benefits are based on the Collective Agreement for the German Public Service (TVöD-Bund) effective at GSI.

GSI promotes the professional development of women and expressly welcomes applications from women. Handicapped persons will be preferentially considered when equally qualified.

Further Information about FAIR and GSI is available at www.gsi.de and www.fair-center.eu.

Inquiries concerning the position can be sent to Dr. Thomas Friedrich, Office: +49-(0)6159-71-1340 or t.friedrich(at)gsi.de.

If you find this position interesting, please send your full application documents with information of your earliest possible starting date and the posting ID 25.90-1530 by 12th of September 2025 at the latest via the online portal on our job site

Online-Bewerbungsportal

GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH

ABTEILUNG PERSONAL

64291 DARMSTADT

This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. With more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over € 5 billion, the Helmholtz Association is Germany's largest scientific organisation.