Biologe/Biologin (m/w/d)

The Faculty 5- School of Nature and Engineering at the Hochschule Bremen- City University of Applied Science is offering thefollowing position -under the condition of job release- which is to be filled as soon as possible: ### PhD Student (f/m/d) in the DFG-funded Research Programme „Photoreception and Circadian Regulation of Cuticle Formation in Insects“ Reference Number: FK5-5-2026, Salary Scale 13 TV-L, 65% (25,48 hours per week) for a fixed term of 3 years. Bremen University of Applied Sciences is cosmopolitan and promotes applied research. With approximately 70 degreeprograms—most of which are international—and innovative, lifelong learning formats, Bremen University of Applied Sciencesoffers nearly 9,000 students opportunities for personal development and a successful start to their careers. Thanks to ourinternational profile, we have held a leading position among universities of applied sciences for decades. Improving studyconditions and creating attractive workplaces are priorities for us, and these are reflected in the university’s developmentplanning. The Biological Structures and Biomimetics Group, led by Prof. Dr. Jan-Henning Dirks, is based at the Biomimetics-Innovation-Centre (BIC) at Hochschule Bremen. The group investigates the structure, mechanics, and formation of arthropod exoskeletons— one of the most diverse and mechanically sophisticated biological composite materials on Earth. Using an integrativeapproach that combines comparative morphology, experimental physiology, and molecular biology, we study how insectexoskeletons and other biological structures are built, how they function, and how they can inspire novel engineering solutions. This PhD position is embedded in a DFG-funded research programme investigating how light and the circadian clock controlthe daily deposition of chitin in the insect cuticle. Insects form their exoskeleton in daily growth layers — alternating bands ofdifferently oriented chitin fibres — a process that in some species is directly regulated by a peripheral epidermal light sensor.This phenomenon has profound implications for understanding how environmental cues shape biomaterial architecture andmechanical performance at the nanoscale. The project will, for the first time, systematically investigate this phenomenonacross a broad range of insect groups using a combination of comparative microscopy, controlled illumination experiments,and molecular clock-gene analysis. **YOUR TASKS** - Comparative morphological and physiological analysis of rhythmic cuticle deposition across selected insect taxa,using polarised-light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) - Design and execution of controlled illumination experiments to characterise the spectral and intensity-dependentresponse of the epidermal light sensor in locusts and other insect species - Molecular analysis of circadian and light-sensitive gene expression in locust epidermal tissue using molecularmethods - Insect colony maintenance, sample preparation, data management, scientific writing, and dissemination of results atinternational conferences **YOUR PROFILE** - Completed University Degree (Master‘s/Uni-Diploma or equivalent) in zoology, biology, entomology, organismalbiology, molecular biology, or a closely related field - Sound knowledge of animal biology and/or experimental molecular biology - Practical experience in histological sample preparation, light microscopy or SEM - Good command of English (scientific reading and writing; level B2 or above) - Ability to work independently and to take responsibility for experimental work - Willingness to work with live insects and perform hands-on laboratory work, including occasional weekend dutiesduring animal care periods - Team-oriented approach and openness to interdisciplinary collaboration **The following are desirable:** - Prior exposure to molecular biology techniques such as RT-qPCR - Experience with insect handling or laboratory colony maintenance - Interest in biomaterials, chronobiology, or comparative physiology - Basic knowledge of German (advantageous for administrative communication) **OUR OFFER** - A funded PhD position within a DFG-funded research project (project no. 581918994), providing a structured path toa doctoral degree - Access to state-of-the-art analytical infrastructure, including ESEM, polarised-light microscopy, microCT, andmolecular biology facilities - Collaboration with national and international research partners - A working environment committed to equal opportunities; support for gender equality measures is available withinthe project - An interesting position with varied responsibilities in an international environment at a cosmopolitan university - Equal pay, secure employment, and other public sector benefits - Flexible working time models at a family-friendly university contribute towards a good work-life balance - Supplemental pension plan - Numerous sports and cultural programmes - A wide range of opportunities for personal and professional development tailored to your needs - Attractive work locations with good transport links - A subsidised job ticket - Varied catering in the student union canteen - Subsidised fitness programmes in all EGYM Wellpass studios ...and here are more good reasons to choose HSB. For degrees aquired outside the EU, please submit a German translation and the assessment from the Central Office forForeign Education (ZAB). Alternatively, please send us a PDF excerpt from the database for the recognition and evaluation offoreign educational certificates (ANABIN) For professional qualifications acquired outside Germany, please send a Germantranslation and proof of recognition in Germany. Information on this can be found at the Federal Institute for VocationalEducation and Training (BIBB). Hochschule Bremen promotes the employment of women at all levels. Women are therefore expressly encouraged to apply. Disabled applicants with essentially equal professional and personal aptitude will be given priority. Applications from peoplewith a migration background are welcome. Further information about Hochschule Bremen can be found at www.hs-bremen.de. If you have any questions concerning theadvertised position, please contact Prof. Dr. Jan-Henning Dirks via e-mail: jan-henning.dirks(at)hs-bremen.de. Please include in your application: - CV and cover letter explaining motivation for this specific project and relevant experience - Copies of degree certificates and transcripts (BSc and MSc or equivalent), including grade sheets - Contact details of two academic referees willing to provide a letter of recommendation upon request - MSc thesis (or equivalent final research project report) - A brief description (max. 1 page) of a practical laboratory or field problem you have encountered and how you solved it We look forward to receiving your application including documents by 30.06.2026 via meine-karriere.hs-bremen.de/stellenangebote. Hochschule Bremen, Neustadtswall 30, 28199 Bremen