Research Assistant (Doctoral Researcher/PhD)

Philipps-Universität; Marburg; On-site; EUR 30,000 - 42,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Landesticket (free public transport in

Support for junior researchers

Job summary

University of Marburg invites applications for a Research Assistant ( doctoral researcher/PhD) in RNA biochemistry within the CRC/Transregio 440 project. The 3‑year position is 65% FTE, offering a TV-H E13 level, with emphasis on RNA-ligand interactions and mitochondrial RNA biology.

The role involves coordinating biochemical assays, protein expression, and library development in a collaborative, interdisciplinary setting.

Qualifications

• MSc degree or equivalent in biochemistry, biology or related life sciences.
• Practical experience in biochemistry and/or molecular biology is required.
• Excellent English proficiency is required; German is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Scientific services in research and teaching, focusing on RNA‑ligand interactions.
• Identify and characterize new 7S RNA‑binding proteins.
• Develop small molecule libraries and HTS platforms for characterization.
• Synthesize and purify DNA and RNA for biochemical experiments.
• Express and purify recombinant mitochondrial proteins and prepare extracts.

Skills

RNA biochemistry

Molecular biology

Teamwork

English proficiency

Education

MSc in biochemistry or related field

Job description

registration number: fb16-0017-wmz-2026

Entry date: as soon as possible

Application deadline: 2026-11-21

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 Pharmacy, research group on “Mitochondrial Gene Expression” led by Dr. Benedict Tan is currently accepting applications for

Research Assistant (Doctoral Researcher/PhD)

This position is offered for a period of 3 years, if no former times of qualification must be considered. The starting date is as soon as possible. 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, 65%).

We seek a motivated and dedicated individual to conduct cutting-edge RNA research in an interdisciplinary and highly collaborative environment. This position is funded as part of the CRC/Transregio 440: “smART – specific mRNA targeting”, with the goal of developing new RNA-based technologies to control the function of disease‑relevant eukaryotic mRNAs. In this project, we aim to establish the biological function of 7S RNA, a non‑coding, mitochondrial DNA‑encoded transcript. We will approach this primarily with biochemical methods involving purified recombinant proteins and RNA, and by developing precision small molecule ligands to modulate the function of 7S RNA in living cells.

Tasks:

• Scientific services in research and teaching, with a focus on RNA‑ligand interactions
• Identification and characterization of new 7S RNA‑binding proteins
• Development of small molecule libraries and high‑throughput screening platforms to characterize
• 7S RNA‑targeting ligands using structural probing techniques (e.g., SHAPE‑MaP)
• Expression and purification of recombinant mitochondrial proteins
• Preparation of mitochondrial extracts
• Synthesis and purification of DNA and RNA molecules for biochemical experiments

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 biochemistry, biolgy or a related field in the life and natural sciences
• Highly motivated individual who thrives in working as part of a team
• Practical experience in the field of biochemistry and/or molecular biology is required
• Critical thinking and an enthusiasm for scientific inquiry and experimental work
• Prior experience in nucleic acid biochemistry, mitochondrial RNA biology & transcription is an advantage
• Excellent English proficiency is required; knowledge of German is an advantage

Disposition to own scientific qualification i.e., a doctorate project in the area of RNA biochemistry is expected.

We offer:

• A strong research environment within an interdisciplinary team comprising over 20 research groups in the field of RNA biochemistry and RNA therapeutics
• Membership in the integrated graduate school of TRR 440, which offers workshops and seminars on RNA research, bioinformatics, career development, and science communication
• The “Landesticket” for free use of public transportation in Hesse

We actively support the professional development of junior researchers by the offers of the IRTG of the TRR 440, the Marburg Research Academy (MARA), the International Office and the Higher Education Didactics Office.

Contact for more Information

Dr. Benedict Tan

[phone]

[e-mail]

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 the Social 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.