PhD Student Position (m/f/d)

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position has been filled. Final application deadline: August 1, 2026.

The RNA Biochemistry Group at the University of Bayreuth invites applications for a PhD Student Position (m/f/d) to be filled as soon as possible. The position is fully funded (E13 TV-L, 65%) for four years - one year longer than regular DFG-funded positions across Germany. Moreover, it is embedded in a Germany-wide, newly installed DFG Research Unit focussed on Multi-subunit RNA polymerases across all domains of life (FOR 6037, see press release here).

 The Group

The RNA Biochemistry Group (www.kuhnlab.uni-bayreuth.de) investigates how non-coding RNAs with biomedical relevance function at the molecular level. We are particularly interested in two questions: how enhancer transcription contributes to gene activation in vertebrates, and how small non-coding RNAs called piRNAs and m6A enable whole-body regeneration in planarian flatworms. To address these questions, we combine biochemistry and molecular biology with structural biology and functional genomics.

The Project

The research project is tightly embedded into the newly funded DFG Research Unit “Multi-subunit RNA polymerases across all domains of life: Mechanisms underlying transcription activity and regulation”. It builds on prior results from the lab (Gorbovytska et al., Nat Comm 2022) and focusses on deciphering the molecular mechanism by which enhancer RNAs can abrogate the paused state of mammalian RNA polymerase II and lead to transcription activation, primarily using biochemical and structural techniques. Depending on personal interest and fit to the research question, the project may also encompass mammalian cell culture coupled to functional genomics. 

Your responsibilities

• Biochemical and structural biology experiments, including computational data analysis.
• Cryo-EM data collection at FU Berlin, in collaboration with Prof. Markus Wahl.
• Depending on personal interest and fit, mammalian cell culture work coupled to functional genomics.
• Promoting novel research results through participation in international conferences and publications.
• Opportunities to gain leadership experience by student mentoring.

Your profile

• A master’s degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or a related area.
• Enthusiasm for cutting-edge (RNA) biochemistry and structural biology (single-particle cryo-EM).
• Fluency in English.
• High motivation and a collaborative, curious approach to interdisciplinary research.

What you can expect

• A cutting-edge research environment with state-of-the-art facilities.
• A constructive and supportive working atmosphere in a friendly, open-minded team.
• Integration into a strong collaborative network, including mentoring possibilities and annual retreats.
• Opportunities for personal personal and professional development aligned with your career goals.

The University of Bayreuth values the diversity of its employees and is explicitly committed to the goal of gender equality. Women are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants with children are very welcome. The University of Bayreuth is a member of the Best Practice Network “Familie in der Hochschule e.V.”, and has successfully participated in the HRK audit “Internationalization of Higher Education”. Persons with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration if equally qualified.

Please apply online and submit the usual application documents via the Application portal Uni Bayreuth: Motivation letter, CV and contact details for at least two references (not the reference letters themselves!). Note that applications will be screened continuously until a suitable candidate has been identified.

Code word: RNA Biochemistry (https://www.uni-bayreuth.de/en/job-vacancies)

In accordance with data protection requirements all documents will be deleted after the position has been filled. If you have any questions about the position, please contact Prof. Dr. Claus-D. Kuhn (claus.kuhn@uni-bayreuth.de) or Dr. Vladyslava Gorbovytska (vlada.gorbovytska@uni-bayreuth.de).