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 of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Institute of Biology – Division of Molecular Plant Physiology – Bioenergetics in Photoautotrophs (Prof. Dr. Kirstin Gutekunst), the following position is available as of April 1, 2026:

Research assistant (m/f/d), EG 13 TV-H, fixed-term, full-time (currently 40 hours per week)

Application deadline:
20.02.2026

Date of hire: 01.04.2026

vacancy number: 39033
The position is initially limited until March 31, 2032, as part of the project “Photosynthetic Hydrogen from Cyanobacteria” in accordance with Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz (WissZeitVG). The opportunity to pursue a postdoctoral qualification is available.

Tasks:

We are looking for an intrinsically motivated research assistant who is enthusiastic about research into photosynthetic hydrogen production in cyanobacteria.

Photosynthesis, as we know it today from plants, originally developed in cyanobacteria. Some cyanobacteria possess a hydrogenase (H2ase) that, under certain conditions, uses electrons from water splitting in photosystem II to produce so-called photosynthetic hydrogen (photoH2). When this photoH2 is fed into fuel cells and reacts with oxygen to form water, energy is released. The combination of cyanobacterial photoH2 and fuel cells forms a sustainable and environmentally friendly system for storing and using solar energy. To increase photosynthetic hydrogen production from cyanobacteria, we have fused the hydrogenase to photosystem I (PSI) (see, for example, Redding et al. 2022, Advances and challenges in photosynthetic hydrogen production, Trends Biotechnology). The electron transfer between PSI and H2ase needs to be further optimized. In addition, the H2ase is oxygen-sensitive. We also need to ensure that carbohydrate metabolism in the PSI-H2ase mutants is preserved so that the cyanobacteria can continue to fix CO2.

We are looking for an intrinsically motivated research assistant who will contribute their biochemical and biological expertise and their own ideas to the project and who will enthusiastically research and work on optimizing photosynthetic hydrogen production in cyanobacteria.

Requirements:

• Completed university degree in biology or biochemistry
• Doctorate in biology or biochemistry with very good to good results. The required doctorate must be completed by the date of employment at the latest.

The following are advantageous:

• Knowledge of molecular biology, biochemistry, protein design, physiology, photosynthesis
• Thorough and independent working methods
• A high degree of organizational skills
• Intrinsic motivation and enthusiasm for the subject

Please send a single PDF file containing a letter of motivation, two references, your CV, a list of methods you have mastered, and a research concept (1-2 pages) on optimizing cyanobacterial photohydrogen production.

If you have any questions, please contact Prof. Dr. Kirstin Gutekunst: kirstin.gutekunst(at)uni-kassel.de.

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.