T170-2025 - Research Assistant / PhD student (all genders) - Behaviour and chemical ecology of phagotrophic protists

TU Darmstadt stands for excellent and relevant science. We are playing a decisive role in shaping far-reaching processes of global change—from energy transition to artificial intelligence—through outstanding scientific knowledge and innovative academic programmes. We group our cutting-edge research into three fields: Energy and Environment, Information and Intelligence, Matter and Materials. We are a university with strong ties to the Frankfurt Rhine-Main metropolitan region and a very strong international focus. We are committed to European values and European integration.

The division ‘Biology of Algae and Protozoa’, headed by Professor Dr Sebastian Hess, is interested in the trophic interactions of highly specialised protists (predators, parasites, necrophages). We use a variety of methods such as video microscopy, time-lapse microscopy, electron microscopy, transcriptome and genome analyses, biochemistry and more. The division also operates the newly established ‘Unit for Biological Electron Microscopy’ and aims to integrate ultrastructural analyses of protists in various projects. Other foci of the division are the exploration and description of new protist species and ecological studies, from which a number of our mechanistic questions arise. We are located on the campus ‘Botanischer Garten’ and, together with other research laboratories, represent the organismic biology at the TU Darmstadt.

In the past, we have discovered and described several phagotrophic protists that interact with other eukaryotes in a variety of ways as parasites, predators and necrophages (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.protis.2013.07.003; https://doi.org/10.1111/jeu.13065; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.protis.2021.125854). The aim of the project is to gain a better understanding of the behaviours of such life forms and their mechanistic basis. Specifically, we are interested, for example, in questions of selective food choice, prey perception, defence strategies of prey organisms and chemotaxis. The development of technical instruments and bioinformatic pipelines to quantify the behaviour of protists (in particular movements and reproduction) is of central importance. The tasks in this project include:

• Development of microscopy setups for quantitative microscopy and behavioural analysis
• Development of experimental chambers for cell tracking experiments
• Establishment of a workflow for the quantitative analysis of cell tracking data (possibly AI-based)
• Conducting experiments on prey preference, selective predation, defence reactions of prey organisms and reactions to chemical and physical factors
• Experiments to obtain samples for chemical analyses, e.g. attractants, secondary metabolites (in collaboration)
• Detailed preparation of manuscripts
• Presentation of scientific results at conferences
• Support in the teaching activities of the department and supervision of student work

Pererequisite is an excellent completed university science degree (M.Sc. /Diploma) in biology or other related natural sciences preferably with a thesis in the field of (quantitative) light microscopy, behavioural analysis of motile organisms or chemical ecology. Experience and knowledge in the fields of light microscopy, programming and/or digital data processing are advantageous.

We also expect:

• Enthusiasm for technical instruments and the technology/biology interface
• Passionate and focussed involvement in the project
• High motivation for personal development
• Contribution of own ideas for the development of the project
• Willingness to travel (e.g. external collaborations)
• Very good communication skills in English
• Affinity for scientific literature and scientific writing
• High social skills and willingness to work in a team
• Reliable and accurate work

Technical University of Darmstadt offers varied and challenging assignments, freedom to work independently, the latest technologies, good collaboration between colleagues in partnership, needs-based training opportunities and customised personnel development.

Opportunity for further qualification (doctoral dissertation) is given. The fulfillment of the duties likewise enables the scientific qualifications of the candidate.

• Development and organisation – comprehensive in-house training offers, including the opportunity for continuing education and development;
• Annual leave/educational leave – 30 days annual leave (full-time employment) and 5 days educational leave;
• Sustainable and mobile – eligibility to free public transport in the state of Hesse with the LandesTicket Hessen (Hesse StateTicket) in accordance with the currently valid collective agreement, in addition to opportunities to working mobile at times;
• Fit and healthy – free of charge preventive medical check-ups and a wide-ranging subsidised sports programme;
• Work-life balance – flexible working time models, plus BGM (Betriebliches Gesundheitsmanagement – University Health Management);
• Pension scheme – supplementary public service pension scheme (VBL) in accordance with the currently applicable regulations;
• University bicycle
• Family-friendliness/compatibility of family/care/career – (university-run) childcare services, child allowance (based on the collective agreement), childcare programmes during school holidays.

TU Darmstadt intends to increase the number of female employees and encourages female candidates to apply. In case of equal qualifications, applicants with a degree of disability of at least 50 or equal will be given preference. Remuneration is in accordance with the collective agreement for the Technical University of Darmstadt (TV - TU Darmstadt). Part-time employment is generally possible.

By submitting your application, you agree that your data may be stored and processed for the purpose of filling the vacancy. You can find our privacy policy on our webpage.

If you have any questions about this position, please contact Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Sebastian Heß  under  hess@bio.tu-darmstadt.de .