Website University of Rostock
Last date to apply: 28.02.2026
Number of Positions: 01
The University of Rostock invites applications for a DFG-funded doctoral position in the interdisciplinary MitoCycle project. This project investigates how mitochondrial metabolism adapts to rhythmic environmental changes in marine mussels from tidal (North Sea) and non-tidal (Baltic Sea) habitats. It combines ecophysiological research, metabolomics, bioinformatics, and chronobiology to understand how mussels optimize their energy metabolism in accordance with environmental cycles.
THESE ARE YOUR TASKS:
- Conducting innovative, qualification-oriented research at the interface of ecological physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology with the aim of scientific qualification (doctorate)
- Characterizing the metabolic rhythms of marine mussels from tidal and non-tidal habitats through the development and application of novel experimental and analytical approaches.
- Planning and conducting experiments to analyze changes in mitochondrial physiology, abundance, and metabolomic profiles in response to tidal and diurnal cycles.
- Collection of mussels from inter- and subtidal zones and their rearing under controlled aquarium conditions for experimental studies
- Performing mitochondrial analyses and applying metabolomic methods to identify metabolic profiles and adaptation pathways to environmental conditions
- Collecting, processing and analyzing data using modern statistical and bioinformatics tools, as well as ensuring high data integrity and careful documentation.
- Presenting research results at scientific conferences and preparing publications in peer-reviewed journals
- Collaboration with interdisciplinary research teams at the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) for the interpretation of results, optimization of experimental methods and reporting in project meetings
- Co-supervising and mentoring students or research assistants in close collaboration with Prof. Inna Sokolova
THIS IS WHAT MAKES YOU A GOOD FIT FOR US:
- Completed university degree (state examination, diploma, master’s degree or comparable qualification) in biology, physiology, biochemistry or a comparable field
- Interest in mitochondrial biology, chronobiology and metabolic adaptation, as well as motivation to learn new methods.
- Minimum level of physical fitness for field work in coastal and intertidal zones, including work on wet and slippery surfaces, changing weather conditions, and carrying equipment in the field.
- Fluent English, both spoken and written (working and publication language), as well as basic German language skills or the willingness to acquire them quickly.
- Willingness to work seriously and diligently on a project for one’s own scientific qualification
- Excellent organizational and punctuality skills, combined with careful documentation and a strong sense of responsibility.
- Creativity, scientific curiosity and problem-solving skills, especially in developing one’s own ideas and experiments
- Communication and presentation skills for conferences, meetings and interactions within an international, interdisciplinary team
- Teamwork skills and willingness to cooperate, including when working together in the laboratory, in the field and when supervising students
WE AS EMPLOYERS:
Equal opportunities are important to us. We welcome applications from suitable candidates with severe disabilities or equivalent status. We aim to increase the proportion of women in research and teaching and therefore encourage suitably qualified women to apply. We also welcome applications from people of other nationalities or with a migration background.
WE OFFER YOU:
1) Flexible working hours
2) 30 days of annual leave
3) Annual bonus/ Company pension scheme
4) Family Office
5) Health Management & University Sports
6) Welcome Center
7) Further training opportunities (IT, languages, professional development)
8) Career advice for early-career researchers
9) Bicycle leasing
10) Cafeteria – Employee Rate