Founded in 1607, Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU) is a research university rich in tradition. Inspired by curiosity about the unknown, we enable around 25,000 students and 5,800 employees to advance science for society. Join us in breaking new ground and writing success stories - your own and those of our university.

Support us as soon as possible in part time (75%) as a

PhD (Doctoral) student (m/f/d) Experimental Space Biology and Biophysics

The position is part of an externally funded research project involving the ISS experiment Exocube and is to be filled on a fixed-term basis in accordance with § 2 WissZeitVG and § 72 HessHG with the opportunity for own academic qualification at the Professorship of Experimental Physics with a focus on Space Physics, Institute of Experimental Physics I at the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, Physics, Geography. The salary is in accordance with the collective labour agreement of the State of Hessen E 13 TV-H.

As long as the maximum permissible duration of a fixed-term contract is not exceeded, you will be employed for a period of 3 years.

Your tasks at a glance

Exocube is an experiment selected by the European Space Agency (ESA) for the ExoBio platform on the exterior of the International Space Station (ISS). The experiment investigates biological and molecular systems under real space and radiation conditions. A major focus is the characterization of activation, growth, stress responses and survival of selected microorganisms. Microfluidic systems for controlled rehydration, activation and fixation of biological samples are combined with in-situ fluorescence and absorbance measurements. The ISS measurements are complemented by synchronized Ground Reference Experiments (GREM) and microbiological, biophysical and additional analytical post-flight studies.

Cultivation, preparation and characterization of microbial and biological samples within Exocube
Scientific testing and verification and participation in flight-sample integration
Preparation and performance of microfluidic experiments and Ground Reference Experiments (GREM)
Analysis and scientific interpretation of fluorescence, absorbance and other in-situ data acquired during the ISS mission
Microbiological, biophysical and complementary analytical post-flight studies of returned samples
Scientific documentation of results and preparation of publications, presentations and project reports
Collaboration with international scientific partners as well as ESA, DLR and industrial partners

The provision of academic services (including the processing of a research project financed by third party funds on a temporary basis) also serves the purpose of academic qualification (PhD thesis).

Your qualifications and competences

Completed Master's or equivalent university degree in biology, microbiology, biophysics, biotechnology or a related natural-science discipline
Experience in experimental laboratory work with biological or microbial samples
Good knowledge of microbiological methods and practical experience in the cultivation of microorganisms
Experience with fluorescence, absorbance or comparable optical measurement techniques
Experience with microfluidic systems or biological stress and exposure experiments is an advantage
Experience in scientific data analysis; programming skills, e.g. in Python, MATLAB or comparable environments, are an advantage
Very good command of English
Ability to work independently, systematically and carefully
Strong teamwork and communication skills and an interest in interdisciplinary and international collaboration
Willingness to learn new experimental and analytical methods

Our offer to you

Direct involvement in the scientific preparation, implementation and analysis of a biological experiment on the International Space Station
An international research environment at the interface of space biology, biophysics, microbiology, radiation biology and experimental space research
A varied job with flexible working hours
Free use of local public transport (LandesTicket Hessen)
More than 100 training seminars, workshops and e-learning opportunities per year for personal development, as well as a wide range of health and sports activities
Remuneration according to TV-H, company pension scheme, child allowance and special payments
Good compatibility of family and career (certificate “audit familiengerechte hochschule”)

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Prof. Dr. Andreas Elsaesser by e-mail (andreas.elsaesser@uni-giessen.de).

JLU welcomes qualified applications regardless of biological and social gender, disability, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, age as well as sexual orientation and identity. The JLU aims for a higher proportion of women in accordance with the women's promotion plan. We therefore particularly encourage qualified female candidates to apply. JLU is certified as a family-friendly university. Applications from disabled people of equal aptitude will be given preference.

You want to break new ground with us?

Apply via our online form by 10/11/2026. Please submit a motivation letter briefly outlining your relevant scientific background, experimental skills and experience, a CV, and Bachelor's and Master's degree certificates including transcripts of records. If your Master's degree certificate is not yet available, please provide a current transcript of records and, if you have not yet graduated, your expected graduation date. Completion of the Master's degree must be documented by the start of employment. Please also indicate your earliest possible starting date.

We look forward to receiving your application.

Apply now