The University of Kassel is a modern and growing University with round about 21.000 students. The university’s wide range of expertise covers subjects in the natural, applied, cultural and social sciences.

In Department Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Institute of Biology – Division of Molecular Plant Physiology – Bioenergetics in Photoautotrophs (Prof. Dr. Kirstin Gutekunst), the following position is available at the earliest possible date:

Research Assistant (m/f/d), EG 13 TV-H, fixed-term, part-time (currently 26 hours per week)

Application deadline:
06.03.2026

Date of hire: as soon as possible

vacancy number: 39078
Part-time with 65,00 percent of the regular working hours of a full-time employee. The position is initially limited to 3 years with the possibility of extension for a further 2 years (qualification position in accordance with § 72 HessHG in conjunction with § 2 (1) sentence 1 WissZeitVG). The opportunity to pursue a doctorate is available.

Tasks:

We are looking for an intrinsically motivated PhD candidate to study the central carbon metabolism in cyanobacteria with an emphasis We are looking for an intrinsically motivated doctoral student with an interest in the central carbon metabolism of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803.

Cyanobacteria are fascinating photosynthetic prokaryotes with high potential for biotechnological applications. Oxygenic photosynthesis evolved in the precursors of cyanobacteria and is responsible for enriching our atmosphere with oxygen. Cyanobacteria were also the origin of chloroplasts in plants, making them valuable model organisms in plant physiology. Their carbohydrate metabolism alternates between anabolism and catabolism in a day-night rhythm and under fluctuating environmental conditions. The regulation of antagonistic processes is particularly challenging and exciting in a prokaryotic cell without compartmentalization and will be investigated in detail as part of the advertised position. In addition to research, the position also involves teaching in the field of molecular plant physiology.

Requirements:

• Completed university degree in biology or biochemistry. The required degree must be obtained by the date of employment at the latest.
• Interest and knowledge in the areas of metabolism, physiology, photosynthesis, biochemistry and enzymes

Advantages:

• A strong background in molecular biology
• True scientific enthusiasm, curiosity and intrinsic motivation

For further information please contact Prof. Dr. Kirstin Gutekunst, Tel.: +49 561 804-4070 .

In the event of any differences between the German and English versions of this call for application, the German wording is legally binding.

Our Offer:

As an employee of the University of Kassel

• you will be offered an interesting and diverse range of tasks within the framework of a modern and ambitious university,
• you will be part of an interdisciplinary team with a good and collegial working atmosphere,
• you will have the opportunity to participate in professional and interdisciplinary further education measures,
• is your workplace with good connections to public transport, which you can currently use free of charge.

In addition, you will benefit from the advantages of employment in the public service such as:

• an additional company pension (VBL),
• an optional child supplement in accordance with TV-Hessen, a family-friendly university (including childcare for emergencies),
• an annual bonus
• an entitlement to capital-accumulation benefits,
• a promotion of voluntary commitment,
• low-cost participation in university sports and a full range of fitness activities as part of Unifit, as well as workplace health management

You can find more jobs at stellen.uni-kassel.de

Please send your application with the usual informative documents, stating the reference number in the subject line, via the online form. We have compiled further information for you in our .

In exceptional cases, we will also accept your application documents in paper form addressed to: The President of the University of Kassel, 34109 Kassel, Germany, or via mail to , stating the reference number.

In the case of postal applications, please submit only copies of your documents (no folders), as these cannot be returned. All documents will be destroyed after completion of the selection process in compliance with data protection regulations.

The protection of your personal information is very important to us, so we will handle your personal information with care. By your application, you allow us the storage and use in the sense of the Hessian Data Protection and Freedom of Information Act. You can object to this at any time. Your personal data will be deleted.

Information according to Art. 13 DSGVO for the application process at the University of Kassel can be found at:

Information and FAQ about applying for a job offer:

The University of Kassel is very interested in the professional satisfaction of its employees. It is distinguished as a family-friendly university and, in the interests of equal opportunities, strives to offer everyone the same opportunities for development and to counteract existing disadvantages. It promotes the Family Welcome Service and also the Dual Career Service for positions that are scientifically and academically filled. One of the strategic goals of the University of Kassel is to significantly increase the proportion of women in research and teaching. Applications from women are therefore particularly welcome. Seriously handicapped and equivalent applicants are given preference if they have the same suitability, qualifications and professional performance. Full-time positions are generally divisible (except when filling civil servant positions). Applications indicating the Position Number, which may be in digital form, should be sent to the President of the University of Kassel, 34109 Kassel, Germany quoting the applicable reference number.