PhD student and Postdoctoral researcher positions
Join Us to Discover How Ribosomes Are Built: Open PhD student and Postdoctoral Researcher Positions at the University of Graz
Two PhD student positions and one position for a postdoctoral researcher are available at the Institute of Molecular Biosciences (IMB) at the University of Graz in Austria. We are seeking passionate and curious researchers to investigate the molecular mechanisms that drive eukaryotic ribosome assembly – one of the most fundamental and fascinating processes in cell biology.
The biogenesis of ribosomes is a highly ordered and energy-intensive process, involving over 200 protein assembly factors and around 80 small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs). Our research aims to understand how these molecular players coordinate RNA folding, protein incorporation and dynamic remodelling events that transform early ribosomal precursors into mature functional particles.
Successful candidates will join a collaborative and international research environment, working on independent but scientifically complementary projects.
PhD position 1
* Position: PhD student (30 h/week, 3 years, extension possible)
* Focus: To study how energy‑consuming enzymes, such as RNA helicases and AAA+ ATPases, facilitate ribosome biogenesis. Understanding how these essential enzymes remodel pre‑ribosomal particles is crucial for elucidating how key maturation steps during the tightly regulated ribosome assembly process are driven and coordinated. The functions of RNA helicases involve not only unwinding and re‑arranging distinct rRNA structures but also releasing snoRNAs or protein complexes from the rRNA. In the case of AAA+ ATPases, they utilize the energy derived from ATP hydrolysis to generate mechanical force, allowing them to extract their specific ligand proteins from nascent ribosomal precursors. Using the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the PhD student will employ a combination of genetic, protein and RNA biochemistry, and structural biology approaches to dissect these molecular mechanisms.
* Related publications:
o Mitterer et al. 2024. The RNA helicase Dbp10 coordinates assembly factor association with PTC maturation during ribosome biogenesis. Nucleic Acids Res 52:1975–1987. doi:10.1093/nar/gkad1206
o Mitterer et al. 2023. Concurrent remodelling of nucleolar 60S subunit precursors by the Rea1 ATPase and Spb4 RNA helicase. Elife 12:e84877. doi:10.7554/eLife.84877
Your profile
* MSc degree in a bioscience‑related field (e.g., biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology), with completion expected before the start date
* Experience in biochemical and molecular biology techniques
* Experience with yeast genetics, recombinant protein purification (E. coli), or native complex purification from yeast is advantageous but not strictly required.
PhD and Postdoctoral Position: Novel Roles of snoRNPs in Early Ribosome Biogenesis
* PhD student (30h/week, 3 years, extension possible)
* Postdoctoral researcher (40h/week, 3 years, extension possible)
Focus: Our findings revealed that a subset of snoRNPs act as structural and organizational hubs during early ribosome assembly, beyond their canonical roles in rRNA modification. We refer to these as assembly‑promoting (ap‑) snoRNPs. These specialized snoRNPs possess additional RNA and protein domains that we propose represent an overlooked paradigm for snoRNP function. We hypothesize that ap‑snoRNPs stabilize long‑range RNA interactions, prevent premature folding, and recruit ribosome assembly factors and ribosomal proteins. The aim of the PhD project is to characterize the function and mechanism of action of one specific ap‑snoRNP recently identified in our group, snR37. The postdoc project will involve a genetic screen to discover new ap‑snoRNPs, characterize their functions in ribosome biogenesis and their mechanisms of action. Both projects combine work in the yeast system with mammalian cell culture, and optionally C. elegans as multicellular model.
Your profile
* MSc (for the PhD position) or PhD (for the postdoc position) degree in a bioscience‑related field (e.g., biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology), with completion expected before the start date
* Experience in biochemical and molecular biology techniques
* Experience with yeast genetics, recombinant protein expression/purification (E. coli), mammalian cell culture, and/or optional experience working with C. elegans is an advantage. Previous experience in RNA biology is beneficial but not strictly required.
Application
To apply or request further information, please send your application, including a CV and a brief description of your research interests, to valentin.mitterer@uni-graz.at and brigitte.pertschy@uni-graz.at
The start dates for all positions are expected to be around April 2026. Applications will be reviewed and interviews scheduled on a rolling basis until positions are filled.
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