Postdoctoral Research Associate (Wissenschaftliche*r Mitarbeiter*in. salary level E 13 TV‐L

Universität Münster; Münster; Vor Ort; EUR 40.000 - 50.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading research university in Germany is seeking a full-time researcher to investigate RNA-helicase interactions through single-molecule FRET microscopy and next-generation sequencing. Applicants should hold a doctoral degree in a relevant field and have experience in molecular biology techniques. The position offers flexibility, excellent training, and various benefits including a pension scheme, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Leistungen

Attractive company pension scheme

Annual end-of-year bonus

Flexibility in work-time models

Supportive family service office

Qualifikationen

• Experience in the recombinant production of proteins.
• Extensive practical experience in next-generation sequencing or single-molecule experiments.
• Ability to mentor B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. students.

Aufgaben

• Preparing fluorescently labeled proteins and DNA libraries.
• Planning and analyzing single-molecule FRET/NGS experiments.
• Presenting results at national and international conferences.

Kenntnisse

Molecular biology techniques

Programming in Python

Protein purification techniques

Next-generation sequencing

Fluorescently labeled proteins preparation

Data analysis routines development

Strong command of English

Organizational skills

Ausbildung

Doctoral degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, physics, biophysics or related field

Tools

Next-generation sequencer

Total internal reflection molecule microscope

Confocal single-molecule microscopes

Jobbeschreibung

43,000 students and 7,750 employees in teaching, research and administration, all working together to shape perspectives for the future – that is the University of Münster. Embedded in the vibrant atmosphere of Münster with its high standard of living, the University’s diverse research profile and attractive study programmes draw students and researchers throughout Germany and from around the world.

In the group “Mechanisms of Molecular Machines” at the Institute for Physical Chemistry at the University of Münster, we are seeking a

with the starting date 1 February 2026. We are offering a full‐time position with a fixed‐term of 2 years. Full‐time employees are required to teach 4 hours per week during the semester.

The project combines single‐molecule FRET microscopy with next‐generation sequencing (NGS) to obtain sequence‐encoded information on the dynamics of protein‐nucleic acid interactions on a high‐ throughput level. The focus will be on RNA‐helicase interactions. The aim of this project is a molecular, yet transcriptome‐wide understanding of the activation of helicases by RNA substrates.

The group offers state‐of‐the‐art molecular biology and biochemistry laboratories. A next‐generation sequencer and a total internal reflection molecule microscope with a fast camera detection system as well as confocal single‐molecule microscopes with alternating laser excitation are available.

• preparing fluorescently labeled proteins, DNA and RNA libraries for single‐molecule FRET experiments combined with NGS
• planning, executing and analysing single‐molecule FRET/NGS experiments
• designing and performing appropriate control experiments to validate your results
• developing data analysis routines tailored to the specific experimental problem and research question
• presenting your results in internal meetings and at national and international conferences
• preparing results for publication, including writing and revising manuscripts
• instructing and mentoring B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. students
• a doctoral degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, physics, biophysics or a related field
• experience in molecular biology techniques
• experience in the recombinant production of proteins and their purification by chromatographic techniques
• extensive practical experience in the preparation, execution and analysis of either next‐ generation sequencing experiments or single‐‐molecule experiments
• proficiency in programming with Python and other programming languages
• practical experience in the development of routines for project‐specific data analysis
• a strong command of English, both written and spoken
• a structured approach to problem‐solving combined with strong organizational skills
• the capability to work independently and as part of a team
• a genuine interest in research, combined with experimental enthusiasm

Advantages for you:

• thorough training in modern biochemical and biophysical techniques
• mentoring tailored to your individual needs and goals
• an appreciative and respectful working environment that enables you to grow scientifically and personally
• possibility to attend and participate in national and international conferences -
• integration into a dynamic, international and interdisciplinary team
• Appreciation, commitment, openness and respect – values which are important to us.
• Our broad range of diverse work-time models offers great flexibility – also when working from home.
• If you have family members or young children in your care, our Family Service Office offers concrete support to help you balance your private and professional responsibilities.
• As a university employee, you are entitled to numerous benefits afforded to public servants, e.g. an attractive company pension scheme (VBL ), an annual end-of-year bonus and a position that is shielded from economic fluctuations.

The University of Münster strongly supports equal opportunity and diversity . We welcome all applicants regardless of sex, nationality, ethnic or social background, religion or worldview, disability, age, sexual orientation or gender identity. We are committed to creating family-friendly working conditions. Part-time options are generally available.

We actively encourage applications by women. Women with equivalent qualifications and academic achievements will be preferentially considered unless these are outweighed by reasons which necessitate the selection of another candidate.

If you want to join our international and interdisciplinary team, please send your application, consisting of a motivation letter, curriculum vitae, copy of university degree, and two references as a single pdf‐file to

Other file formats cannot be accepted. Application deadline is 2025-10-15.