Call for Applications for the Collaborative Research Training Group program InViTe2 - Advanced in vitro test systems for cell-chemical interactions in drug discovery and environmental safety , Univ of Konstanz and Univ of Applied Sciences, Sigmaringen

Who we are

The Cooperative Research Training Group (CRTG; Kooperatives Promotionskolleg, KPK) program of the *University of Konstanz, Germany, and the **University of Applied Sciences Albstadt-Sigmaringen, Germany, ‘InViTe2 - Advanced in vitro test systems for cell-chemical interactions in drug discovery and environmental safety’, was recently approved for funding by the Ministry of Science and Arts, Land Baden-Württemberg, Germany. The Co-Speakers of the CRTG are Prof Alexander Bürkle (Konstanz) and Prof Jörg Bergemann (Sigmaringen).

*https://www.uni-konstanz.de/en/

**https://www.hs-albsig.de/hochschule/organisation/international-office/information-in-english/

Background Information

The CRTG InViTe2 is an interdisciplinary grouping of research teams at Konstanz and Sigmaringen engaged in the development of novel, powerful human in vitro test systems for the testing of pharmacological compounds and substances of toxicological interest. This research line was developed in order to contribute to the implementation of the 3R Principle (‘Reduce, Refine, Replace’ the use of animals for testing). The CRTG offers excellent scientific training, which is based on the cutting-edge science represented by the 12 projects, each focused on a highly relevant and timely research topic, as well as the structured training program and supervision, which will provide a firm basis for the doctoral students to develop their individual scholarly profile at early stages of their careers. For each doctoral student, supervision will be implemented by a tandem of supervisors from the two Institutions, respectively, as well as by an interdisciplinary thesis committee, closely monitoring the progress of the project.

It should be noted that tThe CRTG InViTe2 is a continuation and advancement of the previously funded ‘CRTG InViTe’ (2016-2019), a highly successful project, which was run by basically the same consortium of scientific groups at Konstanz and Sigmaringen.

Openings

The CRTG InViTe2 is now accepting applications for scholarships / positions to pursue a doctorate in Biology or related fields. The six scholarships (for projects at the University of Applied Sciences Albstadt-Sigmaringen, Sigmaringen Campus) plus six PhD positions (for projects at the University of Konstanz) will support doctoral candidates to pursue their doctoral projects within the framework of this CRTG.

Profile of Applicants

We seek talented and highly motivated applicants who are able and willing to integrate into a team based in an interdisciplinary and international research environment.

To be eligible for a scholarship, applicants

• have completed their master’s degree (or equivalent) in the areas of biological sciences, biochemistry or biomedicine,
• have a good command of English language (level B1),
• ideally have collected experience in the pertinent research contexts (e.g., via internships within research groups, student/graduate assistant work, etc.).

Provisions

Scholarships are comprised of a monthly stipend of € 1,500. PhD positions will correspond to 50% of salary grade E13. The scholarships / PhD positions will be awarded for up to four years, commencing as of 1 March 2023.

Your application

To apply for a scholarship/position, please submit, no later than 31 January 2023, the following documents in a single pdf file to

Dr. Katja Matt, via e-mail (matt@hs-albsig.de  [and via cc] alexander.buerkle@uni-konstanz.de):

• Curriculum vitae,
• Motivation letter (2 pages max.), explaining the specific motivation for your application referring to your thematic areas of interest and specifying your scientific background including previous experience,
• A list of up to three projects (see   https://www.hs-albsig.de/forschung/nachwuchsfoerderung/promovieren-an-der-hochschule/promotionskolleg-invite/)  you are interested in, indicating first / second / third priority,
• Certificates and transcripts of grades of your university degrees (bachelor’s, master’s etc.),
• Proof of command of English language (if not a native speaker),
• Two letters of recommendation (written by faculty or industrial academic supervisors). 

Application documents and procedure

To apply for a scholarship/position, please submit, no later than 31 January 2023, the following documents in a single pdf file to

Dr. Katja Matt, via e-mail (matt@hs-albsig.de and cc alexander.buerkle@uni-konstanz.de):

• Curriculum vitae,
  Motivation letter (2 pages max.), explaining the specific motivation for your application referring to your thematic areas of interest and specifying your scientific background including previous experience,
  A list of up to three projects (see below) you are interested in, indicating, first / second / third priority,
  Certificates and transcripts of grades of your university degrees (bachelor’s, master’s etc.),
  Proof of command of English language (if not a native speaker),
  Two letters of recommendation (written by faculty or industrial academic supervisors).

Please note that any incomplete applications will not be considered.

Interviews (face-to-face or via videoconferencing) with the selection committee will take place in early February 2023.

Both the University of Konstanz and the University for Applied Sciences Albstadt-Sigmaringen promote equal opportunity and diversity. Any qualified candidate is invited to apply. Disabled persons will be given preference if equally qualified.

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