Research Assistant (m / f / d), EG 13 TV-H, at the Faculty of Organic Agricultural Sciences Sec[...]

Universität Kassel; Kassel; Vor Ort; EUR 40.000 - 60.000; Teilzeit

Zusammenfassung

A modern university in Kassel is seeking a part-time Research Assistant to join the Department of Ecological Agricultural Sciences. The role involves developing extraction protocols for bio-fermentation, conducting laboratory analyses, and collaboration within interdisciplinary teams. Ideal candidates possess a degree in Analytical Chemistry and laboratory experience, particularly with HPLC. This position offers opportunities for teaching and is part of a multidisciplinary research effort aimed at improving organic food quality.

Leistungen

Additional company pension (VBL)

Optional child supplement

Annual bonus

Capital-accumulation benefits

Participation in university sports

Good working atmosphere

Qualifikationen

• Completed scientific university degree in Analytical Chemistry, Food Chemistry, Biochemistry, Environmental Biotechnology, or a closely related discipline.
• Proven laboratory experience in wet chemistry, chromatographic techniques (especially HPLC).
• Ability to work independently in interdisciplinary teams and to handle multi-step experiments from fermentation to bioassay.
• Good command of English.

Aufgaben

• Develop and optimise extraction protocols for bio-fermentation liquids.
• Characterise fractions using chromatographic analyses and chemical profiling.
• Conduct seed priming and germination assays.
• Analyse correlations between chemical composition and biological effects.
• Collaborate closely with microbiologists, chemists, and agronomists.
• Prepare data for publication and presentations.
• Includes 2 teaching hours per week.

Kenntnisse

Laboratory experience in wet chemistry

Knowledge of chromatographic techniques

Ability to work independently in interdisciplinary teams

Good command of English

Ausbildung

Completed scientific university degree in Analytical Chemistry or related field

Tools

HPLC

Jobbeschreibung

Overview

The University of Kassel is a modern and growing university with about 21,000 students. The university’s range of expertise covers the natural, applied, cultural and social sciences. The following position is available in the Department of Ecological Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Organic Agricultural Sciences, Section of Grassland Science and Renewable Plant Resources (Prof. Dr. Michael Wachendorf), at the Witzenhausen site, as soon as possible.

Position

Research Assistant (m/f/d), EG 13 TV-H, temporary, part-time (currently 26 hours per week).

Application deadline: 27.11.2025. Date of hire: as soon as possible. Vacancy number: 38855. Part-time with 65 percent of the regular working hours of a full-time employee. The position is limited to three (3) years.

Project context

The position is part of a multidisciplinary research line on Grassland Bioeconomy Systems and Organic Food Quality, aiming to valorise grassland biomass through microbial fermentation and downstream processing. The project investigates how liquid–liquid separation and solid-phase extraction (SPE) can be used to isolate bioactive fractions from complex fermentation broths and test their effects on seed priming and early plant protection activation.

Main responsibilities

• Develop and optimise liquid–liquid extraction and solid-phase extraction (SPE, e.g. C18, polymeric, ion-exchange) protocols for fractionating complex bio-fermentation liquids
• Characterise the obtained fractions by applying chromatographic analyses (HPLC, mass spectrometry) in combination with pH and electrical conductivity (EC) profiling to determine ionic composition and solution properties, and to correlate chemical fingerprints with biological activity
• Conduct seed priming and germination assays (e.g. vigor, stress resistance, fungal challenge tests) using model species such as Lactuca sativa, Arabidopsis thaliana, or Triticum aestivum
• Analyse correlations between chemical composition and biological effects, identifying bioactive compound classes (organic acids, phenolics)
• Collaborate closely with microbiologists, chemists, and agronomists to integrate findings into the broader circular bioeconomy framework
• Prepare data for publication, presentations, and reporting to funding partners
• The position includes 2 teaching hours per week, offering opportunities for didactic experience and supervision of students

Required qualifications

• Completed scientific university degree in Analytical Chemistry, Food Chemistry, Biochemistry, Environmental Biotechnology, or a closely related discipline
• Proven laboratory experience in wet chemistry, chromatographic techniques (especially HPLC)
• Ability to work independently in interdisciplinary teams and to handle multi-step experiments from fermentation to bioassay
• Good command of English

Advantageous

• Demonstrated practical knowledge in mass spectrometry techniques
• Strong interest in biorefinery processes, natural product extraction, and sustainable agriculture
• Curiosity for linking chemical ecology, bioactivity, and sustainability
• Good command of German

Ideal candidate profile

The ideal candidate is a curious, hands-on scientist who enjoys connecting chemistry and biology in applied contexts. It is motivated by transforming “waste” into function—turning complex fermentation mixtures into targeted, bioactive solutions for plants. They are meticulous with lab work but also creative in testing hypotheses that bridge bioeconomy, circularity, and plant biotechnology.

How to apply and contact

If you have any questions, please contact Prof. Dr. Wachendorf and Dr. Carolina Bueno at tel.: [phone] or -1262.

In case of any differences between the German and English versions, 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 a modern and ambitious university,
• be part of an interdisciplinary team with a good and collegial working atmosphere,
• have the opportunity to participate in professional and interdisciplinary further education measures,
• enjoy a 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,
• 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

More information

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. Further information is available in the FAQ.

In exceptional cases, applications may be accepted in paper form addressed to: The President of the University of Kassel, 34109 Kassel, Germany, or via email to bewerbungen[at]uni-kassel.de, stating the reference number. For postal applications, submit only copies of documents (no folders). All documents will be destroyed after completion of the selection process in compliance with data protection regulations. Information on data protection can be found at the provided links, and applications from women are particularly welcome. Seriously handicapped and equivalent applicants are given preference if equally suitable.