PhD Project "Quantifying the light and Temperature driven association of phyB photobodies with chromatin" - Heidelberg University

15 Apr 2026
Job Information

Organisation/Company

HBIGS Heidelberg Biosciences International Graduate School

Research Field

Biological sciences » Biology

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Positions

PhD Positions

Application Deadline

30 Apr 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Berlin)

Country

Germany

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

40

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Other EU programme

Reference Number

DC12

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

Yes

Offer Description

15 PhD positions in imaging of Nuclear architecture and chromatin and advanced imaging analysis.

Marie Curie Doctoral Network ‘AGILE’

Looking to work with and learn from world-leading experts in plant cell imaging? The newly funded Marie Curie Doctoral Network 'AGILE' has got 15 open PhD positions: https://www.msca-agile.eu/

Abstract: phytochrome B photobodies (phyB PBs) are phase-separated dynamic compartments that form or dissipate in response to light and temperature changes1. phyB PBs regulate transcription, however their functional association with target genes has never been demonstrated. (Obj1) we will quantify phyB PBs features (size, intensity) and positioning relative to target loci and other nuclear compartments (heterochromatin and periphery) in intact leaf nuclei, comparing different light (Red versus Far-Red) and temperature (21℃ versus 30℃) conditions, using PHYB immunostaining, SABER-FISH labelling of PHYB target loci (S1), 3D STED imaging and available image analysis workflows2 (S2). (Obj2) We will measure the spatial distribution and temporal dynamics of phyB PBs relative to nucleosomes using live imaging (phyB and H2B fluorescent lines) and MINFLux super-resolution microscopy at the 10-50 nm scale (using SNAP-tagged phyB and immunostained H2B). To control the light and temperature conditions at the microscope we use a custom LED setup and a temperature control device (S3). Image analysis will be conducted using ChromTrack3D tools.

Where to apply

Website

https://www.msca-agile.eu/

Requirements

Research Field

Biological sciences » Biology

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

- A Master in Biology or Bioinformatics, or equivalent.

- Proven research experience in microscopy imaging, or Bioimage analysis

- A desire to succeed in academia

Helpful skills:

Plant science wet lab skills, confocal microscopy skills, or coding skills in bioimage analysis.

Specific Requirements

Significant experience with confocal microscopy, and (plant) molecular biology.

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Good

Research Field

Biological sciences » Biology

Additional Information
Benefits

A true postdoc-level salary (gross € 4700)

- An awesome network of scientists

- An integrated, tailored training program

- Cutting-edge science in top-class facilities

Training benefits: 

Learning and applying super resolution imaging techniques (STED, MinFlux), in combination with high resolution FISH (SABER-FISH), to investigate whether phase separated phyB photobodies are directly associated with light-responsive chromatin loci. 

You will also learn plant photobiology, live imaging of phyB photobodies, and principles of protein phase separation.

Eligibility criteria

Significant experience with confocal microscopy, and (plant) molecular biology.

Selection process

Please check out all the cool research projects in high resolution plant imaging of the nucleus and cutting-edge image analysis on the website and apply there: https://www.msca-agile.eu/  
Deadline: 30th of April, start date September 2026. 

Note: MSCA mobility criteria apply: To apply for a project in your current place of residence you cannot have studies/worked there for more than 12 months.

Additional comments

 

Looking to work with and learn from world-leading experts in plant cell imaging? The newly funded Marie Curie Doctoral Network 'AGILE' has got 15 open PhD positions: https://www.msca-agile.eu/

 

AGILE “Advanced Training for Next Generation Scientists in Spatio-Temporal Imaging of Plant Cells”, is a European network of plant cell biologists interested in high resolution imaging, nuclear and chromatin organization, and imaging analysis. It’s a fully integrated, pan-European, training and research program for doctoral candidates via the Marie Curie Sklodowska Network.

We are looking for 15 PhD positions in either Plant cell imaging, or in Imaging analysis, and are recruiting highly motivated candidates for cool research projects. The projects are taking place across labs in Europe.

Environment: 

Heidelberg (Germany) is one of the biggest molecular biology hubs in Europe. The Light Signaling and Cell Biology lab of Dr. van Gelderen is a young and ambitious lab with a friendly working environment and many contacts and collaborations within the institute, the Centre for Organismal Studies, and with the rest of Heidelberg University and the EMBL.

Responsible PI: 

Dr. Kasper van Gelderen; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7809-2812 ; https://www.cos.uni-heidelberg.de/en/research-groups/light-signaling-and-cell-biology ; www.photobodies.com  kasper.van.gelderen@cos.uni-heidelberg.de

Website for additional job details

https://www.msca-agile.eu/

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

15

Company/Institute

Heidelberg University, Centre for Organismal Studies (COS)

Country

Germany

City

Heidelberg

Postal Code

69120

Street

Im Neuenheimer Feld 230

Geofield

Contact

City

Heidelberg

Website

http://www.hbigs.uni-heidelberg.de/

Street

Im Neuenheimer Feld 501

STATUS: EXPIRED

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