PhD Position – Experimental Space Biology and Biophysics

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Position

PhD Position – Experimental Space Biology and Biophysics

Employer

Justus Liebig University Giessen

Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU) is a research university in Germany. ElsaesserLab at the Institute of Experimental Physics I conducts research in experimental space physics, astrochemistry, astrobiology, radiation–matter interactions, and advanced spectroscopy. The group combines laboratory simulation experiments with space-based investigations, including the ESA-selected OREOcube and Exocube experiments for the International Space Station.

Homepage: https://www.uni-giessen.de

Location

Giessen, Germany

Sector

Academic

Relevant division

Planetary and Solar System Sciences (PS)

Type

Part time

Level

Entry level

Salary

75% TV-H E13 (German public-sector salary scale). Fixed-term employment for 36 months.

Required education

Master

Application deadline

3 November 2026

Posted

16 October 2026

Job Description PhD Position – Experimental Space Biology and Biophysics (ExocubeBio) ElsaesserLab at Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany, invites applications for a funded PhD position in Experimental Space Biology and Biophysics.

The successful candidate will contribute to ExocubeBio, part of the ESA-selected Exocube experiment for the International Space Station (ISS). The research investigates how microorganisms respond to space conditions, combining microbial cultivation, microfluidic experiments, in-situ fluorescence and absorption measurements, and laboratory reference experiments.

The project combines experimental microbiology, biophysics, and laboratory simulations of space environments to investigate microbial survival and physiological responses under environmental stress relevant to planetary science and astrobiology.

Candidate profile Applicants should hold a Master's degree in microbiology, biology, biophysics, biotechnology, or a related discipline. Practical laboratory experience in microbiological methods and microbial cultivation is particularly important. Experience with fluorescence spectroscopy, microscopy, or microfluidics is welcome.

Position details

• Location: Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany
• Duration: 3 years (36 months)
• Employment: 75% TV-H E13 (salaried PhD position)
• Starting date: As soon as possible
• Application deadline: 3 November 2026

How to apply

Applications must be submitted through the official Justus Liebig University Giessen application portal.

Full Details, Eligibility Requirements, And Online Application https://jobs.uni-giessen.de/\_/jobad/index?prj=2709P1367&lang=en\_GB

Application deadline: 3 November 2026

For scientific inquiries, please contact Prof. Dr. Andreas Elsaesser ([email protected]).

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