PhD position in Bacterial Cell Biology (doctoral research assistant)

Universität Marburg; Marburg; Hybrid; EUR 32,000 - 42,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

International environment

Public transport ticket

Home office

VBL pension

Job summary

Universität Marburg invites applications for a PhD position in Bacterial Cell Biology within the GRK 2937 program. The doctoral research assistant will explore the ParAB_S partitioning system to understand DNA segregation, employing cell biology, genetics, biochemistry, proteomics, and computational approaches.

The role provides structured training and international collaboration opportunities. The position is limited to 3 years, with TV-H E 13, 65% part-time employment, starting as soon as

Qualifications

• M.Sc. degree in molecular microbiology or biochemistry.
• Hands‑on experience with standard molecular biology techniques and genetic manipulation of bacteria.
• Experience in purification and biochemical characterization of proteins.
• Proficiency with standard biological and structural biology software and databases.
• Advantageous: experience in ChIP-seq analysis, fluorescence microscopy, and/or bioinformatics.
• Excellent English communication and ability to work independently and in international teams.

Responsibilities

• Scientific services in research.
• Analyze protein localization dynamics using live-cell fluorescence techniques.
• Biochemical, biophysical, and structural characterization of purified proteins.
• System-wide interaction analyses using proteomics & ChIP-seq workflows.
• Collaborate in an international, multidisciplinary environment.
• Communicate and disseminate results via publications and conference talks.

Skills

English proficiency

Independent work

Collaboration

Bioinformatics

Education

M.Sc. in molecular microbiology/biochemistry

Tools

ChIP-seq analysis

Fluorescence microscopy

Protein purification

Job description

registration number: fb17-0026-wmz-2026

Entry date: as soon as possible

Application deadline: 2026-11-01

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 Biology and the Center for Synthetic Microbiology, research group “Bacterial Cell Biology”, Prof. Dr. Martin Thanbichler (PubMed), is currently accepting applications for a

PhD position in Bacterial Cell Biology (doctoral research assistant)

In the context of the Research Training Group Microbial Nucleotide Metabolism (GRK 2937), funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). The position is limited to a duration of 3 years. The starting date is as soon as possible. Salary and benefits commensurate with a public service position in the state Hesse, Germany (TV-H E 13, 65%).

Nucleotides play a critical role in bacterial physiology, driving fundamental processes such as DNA/RNA biosynthesis, cell envelope biogenesis, and energy metabolism. The Research Training Group "Microbial Nucleotide Metabolism" (GRK 2937) aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms mediating vital nucleotide-dependent processes. Furthermore, it provides doctoral candidates with a comprehensive, structured training program designed to equip them with a broad knowledge base and an advanced molecular microbiology skillset. Within this framework, the open PhD position focuses on the mechanisms driving bacterial DNA segregation. In particular, the successful candidate will investigate the mechanistic principles underlying the function and organization of the conserved ParAB_S_ partitioning system, using a combination of cell biological, genetic, biochemical, biophysical and computational approaches. These studies will shed light on fundamental principles of cellular organization in bacteria while preparing the candidate for a successful career in the life sciences.

Tasks:

• Scientific services in research
• Analysis of protein localization dynamics using advanced live-cell fluorescence techniques
• Biochemical, biophysical and structural biological characterization of purified proteins
• System-wide interaction analyses using current proteomics & ChIP-seq workflows
• Cooperative research in a diverse, international, and multidisciplinary environment
• Communication and dissemination of research results publications and presentations at (inter)national conferences

Within the scope of the assigned tasks, the position provides the opportunity for independent scientific research, which serves the candidate's own academic qualification. The duration of the contract is governed by § 2 Abs. 1 of the German WissZeitVG (Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act).

Profile:

• M.Sc. degree (or equivalent) in molecular microbiology or biochemistry
• Comprehensive hands‑on experience with standard molecular biology techniques and with the genetic manipulatation of bacteria
• Experience in the purification and biochemical characterization of proteins
• Proficiency in using standard biological and structural biology software, databases, and online resources
• Advantageous: prior experience in ChIP-seq analysis, fluorescence microscopy, and/or bioinformatics
• Excellent communication skills in English & ability to work both independently and collaboratively within an international, interdisciplinary research environment

Disposition to own scientific qualification is expected.

We offer:

• A dynamic international research environment in one of the centers of microbiological research in Europe
• A comprehensive and state‑of‑the‑art technical and facility infrastructure
• Support for international researchers from the International Office of the Philipps‑Universität Marburg
• Ticket for free use of public transport in the state Hesse, Germany (Landesticket)
• Possibility of home office
• Company extra pension scheme (VBL)

We actively support the professional development of junior researchers by the offers of Marburg Research Academy (MARA) and the International Office.

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 described in theSocial Security Code (Section 2(2) and (3) of Book IX of the Social Security Code (SGB IX)) will be preferred in case of equal qualifications. Application and interview costs can not be refunded.

Contact for more Information

Prof. Dr. Martin Thanbichler

[phone]

[e-mail]