Doctoral Candidate / MSCA Fellow in Brain Health Research (MenoBrain) | Doctoral Candidate for MSCA Doctoral Network Brain Health in Menopausal Women (MenoBrain) (m/f/d)

Universitätsklinikum Jena

Jena, Thüringen, Deutschland
Published Dec 3, 2025
Full-time
Fixed-term

Job Summary

This is a unique opportunity for a highly motivated Doctoral Candidate (DC)/MSCA Fellow to join the EU-funded Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network MenoBrain at Jena University Hospital. The 3-year full-time position, starting in February 2026, focuses on investigating the role of Bacterial Extracellular Vesicles (BEVs) in gut-brain axis communication and its impact on cognitive performance in postmenopausal women. The role involves hands-on laboratory work, including BEV isolation via ultracentrifugation, molecular profiling using RNA sequencing and mass spectrometry, and testing specific BEV-brain pathways using cell culture and mouse models. The ideal candidate holds a Master’s degree in Life Sciences or a related field, possesses a strong background in molecular biology, and is eligible for MSCA funding. The position offers structured international training, access to modern laboratories, and competitive MSCA-based compensation, making it an excellent step for a researcher aiming for a career in neuroscience and molecular medicine.

Required Skills

Education

Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Health and/or Life Sciences, Molecular Medicine, or related fields

Experience

  • Background in molecular biology (required methodological skills)
  • Basic knowledge in protein analysis (desirable)
  • Basic knowledge in bioinformatics (desirable)
  • Basic knowledge in cell culture (desirable)
  • Experience with experimental models and a FELASA certificate (advantage)

Languages

English (Fluent)

Additional

  • MSCA eligibility required: Must be in the first four years of research career, must not hold a doctoral degree, and must not have resided in Germany or carried out main activity (work or study) there for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately prior to recruitment date (February 2026).