Area of research:
Scientific / postdoctoral posts
Starting date:
14.08.2025
Job description:
GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung in Darmstadt operates one of the leading particle accelerators for science. Currently, the new FAIR ( F acility for A ntiproton and I on R esearch) one of the world´s largest research projects, is being built in international cooperation. GSI and FAIR offer the opportunity to work in this international environment with a team of employees committed to world-class science.
The Biophysics department is an interdisciplinary team of biologists, physicists, chemists, biochemists and technicians. The multidisciplinary research in our group covers a wide range of topics from radiobiology, radiation physics and space research to radiation therapy.
The radiobiological modelling group focuses on developing strategies and algorithms to quantity biologic effects of particle radiation based on underlying physics, biology and physiology. Within the BMFTR funded project “BIOMICRO” the temporal formation of radiation damage will be investigated. Radiation may induce elementary lesions like double strand breaks to the DNA in cell nuclei, which may interact within a certain time scale, giving rise to complex lesions. GSI is working on the quantification of such complex lesions in particular in dependence on radiation type.
Within this program, the GSI biophysics department offers a
PhD student position (all genders) on modelling radiation biophysics
Posting ID: 25.90-1530
Radiation-induced DNA damage, if unrepaired, can lead to persistent tissue damage and increase the risk of acute and chronic radiation effects. Complex DNA damage from ionizing radiation has a pivotal role for these outcomes. While much is known about spatial interactions of DNA lesions, less is understood about their temporal dynamics.
The candidate will adapt and develop biophysical models to explore the impact of temporal exposure variability on radiobiological endpoints, with results validated against experimental data in collaboration with project partners.
What we expect:
The candidate
* has a strong interest in radiobiology and radiation physics
* enjoys doing research in an interdisciplinary field between biology and physics
* is curious, open-minded, a team player, and well organized
* has interest in modelling complex systems, ideally for particle radiation effects.
Experience in these areas is therefore highly desirable.
Required qualifications:
* Master degree or equivalent degree in (bio-)-physics, mathematics or a related field
* Fluent English language skills
The position is initially limited for three years. We offer a job in an innovative, interdisciplinary and excellently equipped research group that is world leading in several fields of research.
The salary and benefits are based on the Collective Agreement for the German Public Service (TVöD-Bund) effective at GSI.
GSI promotes the professional development of women and expressly welcomes applications from women. Handicapped persons will be preferentially considered when equally qualified.
Further Information about FAIR and GSI is available at and
Inquiries concerning the position can be sent to Dr. Thomas Friedrich, Office: +49-(0)6159-71-1340 or t.friedrich(at)gsi.de.
If you find this position interesting, please send your full application documents with information of your earliest possible starting date and the posting ID 25.90-1530 by 12th of September 2025 at the latest via the online portal on our job site
Online-Bewerbungsportal
GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH
ABTEILUNG PERSONAL
PLANCKSTRASSE 1
64291 DARMSTADT
This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. With more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over € 5 billion, the Helmholtz Association is Germany's largest scientific organisation.
Company
The Helmholtz Association contributes to solving major challenges to assure the future of our society. With more than 47.500 people on staff in 18 national Research Centers and an annual budget of more than 6 billion euros, the Helmholtz Association is Germany’s largest scientific organization. The name Helmholtz stands for concerted research, in which networks form the key principle behind inquiring thought and action.
The profile of the Helmholtz Association
The Helmholtz Association performs cutting-edge research which contributes substantially to solving the grand challenges of science, society and industry. To succeed in meeting these responsibilities, Helmholtz concentrates its work in six research fields: Energy, Earth and Environment, Health, Information, Matter, as well as Aeronautics, Space and Transport. Within each of these fields, research programs are developed by our scientists and regularly evaluated by renowned international experts. Their evaluation forms the basis for the program-oriented funding that is allocated to Helmholtz research. Within the six research fields, Helmholtz scientists cooperate with each other and with external partners – working across disciplinary, organizational and national borders.
Moreover, Helmholtz specializes in large-scale research infrastructures – from accelerator facilities, earth observation satellites, research ships to supercomputers. They form the basis for scientific advances in tackling global societal challenges. Managing national research infrastructure is part of the Helmholtz Association's mission.
Promoting young academics
Helmholtz scientists, a high-performance infrastructure and modern and efficient research management are the ingredients to the Helmholtz Association‘s success and global impact.
Promoting young researchers is a major priority for the Helmholtz Association. Its qualification schemes for young researchers are geared mainly towards PhD students, postdocs and young managers. The Helmholtz Association has set high standards for its talent management. Its strategy begins with targeted recruitment of highly qualified staff at all levels, followed by comprehensive support aimed at further developing their potential. Ensuring equal opportunities is an essential element in all talent management activities undertaken by the Helmholtz Association.
The Helmholtz Graduate Schools and Research Schools at almost all Helmholtz Centers provide doctoral students with the general and specific skills and training they need, as well as ample opportunity to network. The period following a doctorate is decisive in determining the direction and success of a scientific career. For this reason, we established Career Development Centers for postdoctoral researchers in the Helmholtz Centers. This equips young researchers with the skills they need to go on to head a Helmholtz Investigator Group, for example. As an Investigator Group leader, junior scientists can independently set up their own group to conduct research in their specialist field and acquire management skills.
Within its talent management strategy, the Helmholtz Association pays special attention to the increased recruitment of talented female scientists both from Germany and abroad. To this end, there are currently two funding programs supporting this policy: and Helmholtz Distinguished Professorship – Funding for the recruitment of leading international female scientists (W3) .
The increasing complexity of the content, structures and framework conditions of scientific work today requires researchers to organize their projects, their employees and, of course, themselves in a highly professional and effective way. In response to these demands, we have set up the Helmholtz Leadership Academy to provide leaders in science with professional management training. Furthermore, the Helmholtz network provides a platform for the alumni of the Helmholtz Leadership Academy to come together and share their experiences of leadership, career development and lifelong learning.
All of this combined makes the 18 Research Centers of the Helmholtz Association a highly attractive environment for talented researchers from all over the world.
Company info
Telephone
0049-30-206329-0
Location
Anna-Louisa-Karsch-Str. 2
Berlin
Berlin
10178
Germany