PhD student; Kennziffer

GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung in Darmstadt operates one of the leading particle accelerators for science. Currently, the new FAIR (Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research) one of the world's largest research projects, will be built in international cooperation. GSI and FAIR offer the opportunity to work in this international environment with a team of employees committed to ensuring each day to conduct world-class science.

The Biophysics department is an interdisciplinary collaboration of biologists, physicists, chemists, biochemists and technicians. The multidisciplinary research in our group covers a wide range of topics from radio biology, radiation physics and space research to radiation therapy.

Biophysics (BIO) department is looking for a

PhD student (all genders) 65%

Posting .09-1520

Irradiation with heavy ions can be used to eliminate cancer and has proven beneficial in treatment of brain cancer such as glioblastoma (GBM). The PhD project will be centred around the ERC-funded Hi-FLASH project , which focuses on the treatment of GBM with Neon-ions at high dose rates (FLASH).

The potential side effects due to radiation will also be assessed with regard to the cognitive function of the brain. This application is also relevant in space research, as heavy ion radiation in space, as it occurs beyond low Earth orbit, exposes astronauts to a significant risk of effects on the central nervous system, degenerative diseases, cancer induction, or even radiation sickness.

The candidate will join the “Space Radiobiology” group and perform in vitro and in vivo experiments at the radiation facilities of GSI/FAIR for clinical and space-related research questions. This research will contribute to the evaluation of radiation-induced health effects on the central nervous system and to test mitigation strategies that could reduce the risks to cancer patients as well as astronauts.

• Develop and implement novel radiobiological methods, including rodent models relevant to ultra-high dose rate irradiation (FLASH), as well as space radio biology research
• Development and optimisation of cognitive and behavioural assessments
• Analysis of tissues and omics datasets
• Participate in the design and execution of irradiation experiments devoted to in vitro and in vivo radio biology research, particularly experiments linked to the upcoming Hi-FLASH experiments
• Statistical analysis of experimental datasets
• Involvement in scientific publications and dissemination of project results.

• Master degree in Cognitive Science, Neuroscience, Biology, Medical Biosciences, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, Bioinformatics or related disciplines
• A solid, hands-on experience in cell culturing and common methods in molecular and cell biology techniques
• Interest and knowledge of biological assays like PCR, IHC and microscopic techniques
• Willing to work with rodents
• Interest and knowledge of bioinformatics and omics technologies, as well as experience in statistical methods for data analysis
Fluent written and spoken English skills, enjoying working in an international environment
• Excellent ability to work in a team and a high degree of flexibility and autonomy is required
• Creative, enthusiastic and result-driven mindset.

• Experience in histology, imaging and behavioural assessment of lab animals, animal handling (FELASA B certificate)
• Experience in bioinformatics and high-dimensional data analysis in python or R

The contract is limited for 3 years. The salary is based on the collective agreement for public employees (TVöD). Starting date is 1 st April 2026.

GSI supports the vocational development of women. Therefore, women are especially encouraged to apply for the position.

Handicapped persons will be preferentially considered when equally qualified.

If you are interested in working in an exceptional international, highly technical environment, please send your complete application documents, with two references and details of your earliest possible starting date, quoting the Posting-.09-1520 by 27 th
of February 2026 at the latest via our online portal: