registration number:
fb15-0006-wmz-2026
Entry date: 01.05.2026
Application deadline: 2026-03-29
Salary: E 13 TV-H
Duration:
3 years
Volume of employment: part-time (65%)
The University of Marburg, founded in 1527, offers a variety of excellent programs of study for around 22,000 students and confronts the important topics of our time through excellent research across a broad spectrum of sciences.
The Department of Chemistry, research group Biochemistry, „Microbes for Climate (M4C)“, invites applications for a position as
Doctoral Researcher/PhD
The third-party funded position is offered for a period of 3 years, if no former times of qualification must be considered. The starting date is 1 May 2026 or later. The position is part-time (65 % of regular working hours) with salary and benefits commensurate with a public service position in the state Hesse, Germany (TV-H E 13).
The position is located at the Cluster of Excellence ‘Microbes for Climate (M4C)’. The cluster deciphers the fundamental molecular mechanisms of microbial contributions to the carbon cycle and uses synthetic biology to develop more efficient ways to sustainably convert CO2. This knowledge will be generated in a scale-bridging approach (from the atomic structure of enzymes to the systems level of the cell) through highly interdisciplinary and integrative studies. Within M4C, Marburg University, the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology in Marburg, the University of Münster and the University of Giessen join forces.
Work will take place at the department of Prof. Dr. Graumann. The research group investigates how dynamic processes in bacterial cells are organized spatially and temporally - with a particular focus on the model organism Bacillus subtilis. The current project focuses on the molecular regulation of carbon flux through direct enzyme-enzyme interactions. These mechanisms are not only fundamental for understanding bacterial cell biology, but are also highly relevant for medical issues, for example in the context of antibiotic resistance or the targeted influencing of microbial metabolic pathways. Carbon fixation pathways will be implemented using synthetic biology. Using the latest high-resolution fluorescence microscopy and automated image analysis, substrate-dependent, dynamic formation of microcompartments is studied at a single-molecule level in living cells - a technology platform that is increasingly being used in biomedical research.
Tasks:
- Scientific services in research and teaching
- Development of an original research project with high independance
- Investigation of the dynamics of enzymes at the single molecule level in living Bacillus subtilis cells using single molecule tracking (SMT) fluorescence microscopy
- Application and, if possible, further development of methods for automated image recognition and evaluation
- Characterization of the interaction of enzymes in vitro and establishment of synthestic microcompartments for enhanced enzyme efficiencies, in multidisciplinary collaborations within an international environment
- International communication in research by publications and participation in conferences
- Opportunity for aiding in student courses and teaching in seminars for students
The position is limited to a time period deemed adequate for the completion of a doctoral degree. As part of the assigned duties, there will be ample opportunity to conduct the independent scientific research necessary for the completion of a doctorate. The limitation complies to Section 2 (1) of the German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (WissZeitVG).
Profile:
- MSc-degree or equivalent in the field of biology, biochemistry, or chemistry, with a focus on biochemistry and/or microbiology
- Experience in working with different microorganisms
- Ability to carry out molecular biological (cloning) and biochemical experiments (protein purification)
- Curiosity, high self-motivation, and enthusiasm to develop your research project
- Experience with cell biological techniques (e.g. fluorescence microscopy)
- Ideally knowledge on or interest in computer programming (e.g., MATLAB, Python, or others)
Disposition to own scientific qualification (e.g. a doctoral project in the field of biochemistry/microbiology with a focus on cell biology) is expected.
We actively support the professional development of junior researchers by the offers of Marburg Research Academy (MARA), the International Office and the Higher Education Didactics Office, as well as through the opportunity to participate in various graduate programs.
We offer:
- A highly dynamic research environment that offers a modern and comprehensive research infrastructure
- Ticket for free use of public transport in the state Hesse, Germany
- Company pension scheme (VBL)
Contact for more Information Prof. Dr. Peter Graumann
+49 6421-28 22210
We support women and strongly encourage them to apply. In areas where women are underrepresented, female applicants will be preferred in case of equal qualifications. As a certified family-friendly university, we support our employees in balancing family and career. A reduction of working time is possible. Applicants with a disability as discribed in SGB IX (§ 2 Abs. 2, 3) will be preferred in case of equal qualifications. Application and interview costs can not be refunded.
Please apply by 29.03.2026 using the application-button below.