About this role
Saarland University is a campus university that is internationally recognized for its strong research programmes. Fostering young academic talent and creating ideal conditions for teaching and research are a core part of the university’s mission. As part of the University of the Greater Region, Saarland University enables students and staff to share and exchange knowledge and ideas between disciplines, between universities and across borders. With over 17,000 national and international students, studying more than a hundred different academic disciplines, Saarland University is a diverse and dynamic learning environment. [Saarland University is officially recognized as one of Germany’s family-friendly higher-education institutions and with a combined workforce of more than 4,000 it is one of the largest employers in the region. The Biophysics Department of the Medical Faculty, Center of Human and Molecular Biology is inviting applications for the following position commencing at the earliest opportunity. Doctoral Research Position (m/f/x) Reference number W2856, salary in accordance with the German TV-L salary scale1, pay grade: E13 TV- L, duration of employment: 3 years, volume of employment: 65 % of standard working time. Workplace/Department: The Biophysics Department at the Medical Faculty in Homburg comprises several excellent research groups. The advertised position is associated with the group of Prof. Leticia Prates Roma, which investigates how redox metabolism and reactive oxygen species (ROS) govern cellular adaptation in health and disease, with a particular focus on pancreatic β-cells, metabolic disorders, and cardio-renal complications. We combine advanced redox imaging, metabolic physiology, and disease models to understand how compartment-specific H₂O₂ production and redox signaling determine cell fate, function, and stress responses. Our work bridges redox biochemistry, metabolism, and physiology, emphasizing H₂O₂ as a central regulator of metabolic adaptation. We study how NADPH/NADP⁺ balance, NOX activity, and localized ROS shape signaling networks controlling metabolism, stress resistance, and survival. In β-cells, physiological H₂O₂ fluctuations fine-tune insulin secretion, whereas excessive or NOX2-derived H₂O₂ drives dysfunction under lipotoxic or inflammatory stress. Similar principles extend to cardiac and renal cells, where H₂O₂ mediates adaptive and maladaptive signaling that influences mitochondrial function, calcium handling, and inter-organ crosstalk. To dissect these mechanisms, we have developed a comprehensive 1 TV-L = collective agreement on remuneration of public sector employees in the German Länder The pay grade assigned to an employee depends on their professional qualifications and the number of years of service. Each pay grade is further subdivided into levels. Entry-level employees with no previous experience will initially be assigned a level 1 rating. After one year at level 1 of the E10 pay grade, an employee will move up to level 2. After a further two years, the employee will move to level 3, etc. toolbox for quantitative, compartment-resolved redox biology, including genetically encoded biosensors (HyPer7, NAPstar, roGFP2-Orp1, GRX1-roGFP2) and chemogenetic H₂O₂-generation systems. These tools enable real-time visualization and causal testing of redox dynamics in living cells and tissues. Combined with our redox histology approach for fixed samples, they provide unprecedented insight into how spatially and temporally defined redox changes regulate metabolism, calcium signaling, and gene expression across tissues. Job requirements and responsibilities: Your role will involve conducting research with international impact in the fields of diabetes, cardio-renal physiology, and redox biology. You will develop your doctoral project in close collaboration with your supervisors within a structured and supportive research environment at Saarland University, with access to interdisciplinary training opportunities, scientific exchange, and career development activities typically provided within the university’s doctoral training framework. The position is designed to enable the completion of a PhD within four years or less. Saarland University provides structured doctoral support, including supervision, access to core facilities, methodological training, and opportunities for participation in seminars, workshops, and international conferences. While Saarland University offers flexible working arrangements including partial remote work, regular on-site presence is essential for experimental work. Applicants must either reside within commuting distance of the Homburg campus or be willing to relocate to the area. Your academic qualifications: Completed scientific university studies in Biology, Life Sciences, or a related field (Master’s degree) Language skills (according to GER): English C1 The successful candidate will also be expected to: possess solid foundational laboratory skills, including cell culture, molecular biology, and biochemistry isolate and work with murine primary cells or tissue have prior experience in the relevant research area, which is considered desirable demonstrate good command of Microsoft Office applications have excellent English language skills (essential) additional proficiency in German is considered advantageous work independently with a high degree of responsibility and motivation for self-directed research demonstrate strong organizational, planning, and coordination skills maintain a reliable, precise, and well-structured working style possess excellent teamwork and communication skills, combined with resilience and flexibility ideally hold certification for working with laboratory animals, which would be considered an advantage What we can offer you: A flexible work schedule allowing you to balance work and family, among other things the possibility of teleworking Secure and future-oriented