PhD Student (f/m/d) in the DFG-funded Research Programme Photoreception and Circadian Regulation of Cuticle Formation in Insects

The Faculty 5- School of Nature and Engineering at the Hochschule Bremen- City University of Applied Science is offering the following 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 degree programs—most of which are international—and innovative, lifelong learning formats, Bremen University of Applied Sciences offers nearly 9,000 students opportunities for personal development and a successful start to their careers. Thanks to our international profile, we have held a leading position among universities of applied sciences for decades. Improving study conditions and creating attractive workplaces are priorities for us, and these are reflected in the university’s development planning.

The Biological Structures and Biomimetics Group (www.hs-bremen.de/biostructures), 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 integrative approach that combines comparative morphology, experimental physiology, and molecular biology, we study how insect exoskeletons 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 control the daily deposition of chitin in the insect cuticle. Insects form their exoskeleton in daily growth layers — alternating bands of differently 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 and mechanical performance at the nanoscale. The project will, for the first time, systematically investigate this phenomenon across a broad range of insect groups using a combination of comparative microscopy, controlled illumination experiments, and molecular clock-gene analysis.

Area of responsibility

• 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-dependent response 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 molecular methods.
• Insect colony maintenance, sample preparation, data management, scientific writing, and dissemination of results at international conferences

Your Profile

• Completed University Degree (Master‘s/Uni-Diploma or equivalent) in zoology, biology, entomology, organismal biology, 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 duties during 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)

We offer:

• A funded PhD position within a DFG-funded research project (project no. 581918994), providing a structured path to a doctoral degree
• Access to state-of-the-art analytical infrastructure, including ESEM, polarised-light microscopy, microCT, and molecular biology facilities
• Collaboration with national and international research partners
• A working environment committed to equal opportunities; support for gender equality measures is available within the 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 more good reasons to choose HSB.

For degrees aquired outside the EU, please submit a German translation and the assessment from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB). Alternatively, please send us a PDF excerpt from the database for the recognition and evaluation of foreign educational certificates (ANABIN). For professional qualifications acquired outside Germany, please send a German translation and proof of recognition in Germany. Information on this can be found at the Federal Institute for Vocational Education 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 people with a migration background are welcome.

Further information about Hochschule Bremen can be found at www.hs-bremen.de. If you have any questions concerning the advertised 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