Location

Essen

Application area

Research Center One Health Ruhr, Department of Biological and Genomic Treatment Approaches

PhD Position in Functional Analysis of Rad51 regulation in Replication (f/m/d, no. 009-26)
13 TV-L

At the interface between human health, the environment and animal health, the Research Center One Health Ruhr provides combines the Departments of Biology, Chemistry, Medicine, Environmental Science and Neuroscience under one interdisciplinary roof. We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the newly established laboratory of Prof. Dr. Dana Branzei at the University of Duisburg-Essen. The Branzei laboratory investigates the molecular mechanisms that safeguard genome integrity during DNA replication and repair, with a particular focus on DNA damage tolerance (DDT) pathways and chromosome structural maintenance.

Start of employment

2026-04-01

Duration of employment

2 years

Working time

39 h 55 min (100 %)

Your main tasks

The successful candidate will lead an ambitious project aimed at the functional characterization of novel Rad51 alleles affecting a conserved residue that plays a critical role in genome maintenance during replication. This residue is located in proximity to the Walker B motif and SUMO-interacting motifs (SIMs) of Rad51 and is a candidate phosphorylation site of the Dbf4-dependent kinase (DDK).

The project will address how SUMOylation and phosphorylation coordinately regulate Rad51 activity in DNA damage tolerance, combining genetic, biochemical, and proteomic approaches. Specific objectives include:

· Genetic and functional characterization of engineered Rad51 alleles

· Proteomic and SUMO-specific analyses to define Rad51 interactomes

· Biochemical characterization of Rad51 activity and complex formation in vivo

The postdoctoral researcher will work in a highly interdisciplinary and collaborative environment, with access to state-of-the-art biochemical, proteomic, and imaging platforms at UDE, as well as through collaborations within the Research Alliance Ruhr (RAR).

Your profile

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or related discipline
• Proven experience in molecular, genetical, biochemical or proteomic assays
• Experience with some structural methods is desirable but not required
• Strong motivation, independence, and ability to collaborate across disciplines
• Excellent command of written and spoken English.

We offer you

• A dynamic, international research environment
• Access to state-of-the-art structural and proteomics facilities
• Competitive salary according to German TV-L guidelines
• Opportunity to contribute to pioneering research at the intersection of DNA replication, repair, and chromatin biology
• attractive sports and health services (university sports)
• an excellent public transport infrastructure and free parking

Application deadline

2026-02-12

Code number

009-26

Application

Please send your application indicating the reference number 009-26 and the subject line Postdoc RAD51 as a single pdf including a motivation letter, CV, publication list and contact details of two referees to: Prof. Dr. Dana Branzei, University of Duisburg-Essen, Faculty of Biology, Center for Medical Biotechnology (ZMB), 45117 Essen, Germany. E-mail: dana.branzei@uni-due.de

Information about the job

Das Research Center One Health Ruhr - UA Ruhr

Research Alliance Ruhr

As the densest university landscape in Europe, the Metropole Ruhr offers attractive career opportunities for excellent scientists from all over the world.

In order to bundle their top international research on the major challenges facing humanity, the Ruhr-Universität Bochum, the TU Dortmund University and the University of Duisburg-Essen founded the Research Alliance Ruhr in 2021. Four research centres and a college have been established here.

This is the latest development in the long-standing cooperation as the University Alliance Ruhr (UA Ruhr), a community of 14,000 researchers and 110,000 students.

Learn more

In accordance with the State Equal Opportunities Act, women with the same qualifications are given referential considered.

Applications from suitable disabled persons and persons of equal status within the meaning of § 2 para. 3 SGB IX are desired.

By applying for one of the advertised positions, you expressly agree to the requirements in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation and to being contacted by mail. Further information on data protection can be found here.

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