PhD Candidate (m/f/d): Mass Spectrometry Imaging

The Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften – ISAS – e. V. develops efficient analytical methods for health research. Thus, it contributes to the improvement of the prevention, early diagnosis, and therapy of diseases like cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune diseases or cancer. Overall, the institute strives to advance precision medicine by combining knowledge from different fields such as biology, chemistry, pharmacology, physics, and computer science. ISAS is a member of the Leibniz Association and is publicly funded by the Federal Republic of Germany and its federal states.

At our location in Dortmund, we invite applications for a

PhD Candidate (m/f/d): Mass Spectrometry Imaging

The position is to be filled within the framework of the EU-funded project European doctorial network NUCLEAR in the subproject (DC 3) „Visualizing acyl-CoA and associated metabolites with subcellular resolution“. NUCLEAR is a Marie Sklodowska Curie Action Doctoral Network funded by the European Commission under the Horizon Europe framework programme. The NUCLEAR project aims to develop tools for the detection of metabolism in the nucleus, to understand how metabolism regulates functions of the chromatin template and to test metabolism-chromatin interactions as targetable vulnerabilities in cancer cells.

You will be responsible for

• Studying metabolite and lipid alterations in cells by mass spectrometry imaging
• Developing mass spectrometry imaging and microscopy methods to pinpoint molecule locations in cells
• Quantitate these molecules in cells by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry using stable isotope labelling
• Collaborative research with researchers and partners within the doctorial training network
• Data analysis of large spatially resolved mass spectrometry imaging data sets

Your profile

• Masters, Diploma or equivalent degree in Analytical Chemistry, Food Chemistry, Pharmacy, Biochemistry or related subjects
• As a candidate you must not have resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Germany for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the date of recruitment (mobility rule)
• Good understanding of MALDI MS and LC-MS
• Good laboratory skills in bioanalytical methods
• Basic understanding of epigenetics and cell biology is preferable
• Experience with mass spectrometric equipment is beneficial
• A high level of proficiency in written and spoken English

We offer

• A well-defined research project and training opportunities for PhD students in the framework of ISAS and the Leibniz association
• Shared research and innovative multidisciplinary and multisectoral training by experts and experienced trainers from two sectors (academia and industry) and two research environments (clinic and basic)
• A structured training program consisting of soft skill courses, targeted workshops, retreats, social events, and networking
• Scientific development opportunities in an international environment and an excellent working atmosphere in a very dynamic and professional team
• Secondments at other institutions within the NUCLEAR consortium
• Extensive state-of-the-art equipment and infrastructure in various analytical methods
• The opportunity to present your data on international conferences and participate in workshops

Non-residents who apply for this job will receive help from the institute to find accommodation and to handle authorities. Applications from disabled applicants are welcome. ISAS supports the principle of equal opportunity for all employees and therefore particularly encourages women to apply.

The gross salary is composed as follows:

• Monthly living allowance: €3,400/month, which is adjusted using a country correction coefficient based on the cost of living in the country (Germany: 98.3%)
• Monthly mobility allowance: €600/month
• Monthly family allowance (if applicable, based on family situation): €660/month

The full-time position is offered for a duration of three years. The start date will be no earlier than the second half of 2025 and no later than the end of 2025. The time limitation of the contract is based on the Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz (WissZeitVG).

ISAS collects and processes the personal data of its applicants in accordance with European and German legal regulations. Further information on data protection and the processing of personal data can be found at

The closing date for applications is March 17, 2025. Please apply via our applicant portal and, in addition, via the NUCLEAR website (). Informal requests (reference number 342_2025) are welcome and can be directed to the Human Resources team (). Further information about the institute can be found at: