Research assistant (m/f/d), EG 13 TV-H, Institute of Biology – Division of Molecular Plant Phys[...]

Universität Kassel; Kassel; Vor Ort; EUR 50.000 - 65.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

Eine moderne Universität in Hessen sucht einen Forschungsassistenten (m/w/d) zur Unterstützung eines Projekts über photosynthetische Wasserstoffproduktion in Cyanobakterien. Der Kandidat sollte einen biologischen oder biochemischen Abschluss sowie ein abgeschlossenes Doktorat vorweisen können. Diese Vollzeitstelle bietet die Möglichkeit zur Postdoktorandenausbildung und umfasst vielfältige Forschungsaufgaben. Bewerbungen sind bis zum 20.02.2026 einzureichen.

Leistungen

Betriebliche Altersvorsorge (VBL)

Kindergeldzuschuss nach TV-Hessen

Jahresbonus

Kapitalaufbauleistungen

Unterstützung für freiwilliges Engagement

Günstige Hochschulsport- und Gesundheitsprogramme

Qualifikationen

• Abgeschlossenes Studium in Biologie oder Biochemie.
• Doktorat in Biologie oder Biochemie, abgeschlossen bis zum Anstellungstermin.

Aufgaben

• Forschung zur Photosynthese in Cyanobakterien.
• Optimierung des Elektronentransfers zwischen PSI und H2ase.
• Beitrag zu biochemischen und biologischen Aspekten der Wasserstoffproduktion.

Kenntnisse

Molekularbiologie

Biochemie

Protein Design

Physiologie

Photosynthese

Ausbildung

Universitätsabschluss in Biologie oder Biochemie

Doktorat in Biologie oder Biochemie

Jobbeschreibung

Overview

The University of Kassel is a modern and growing university with about 21,000 students. The university’s wide range of expertise covers subjects in the natural, applied, cultural and social sciences. In the Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Institute of Biology – Division of Molecular Plant Physiology – Bioenergetics in Photoautotrophs (Prof. Dr. Kirstin Gutekunst), the following position is available as of April 1, 2026.

Position

Research assistant (m/f/d), EG 13 TV-H, fixed-term, full-time (currently 40 hours per week).

Application deadline: 20.02.2026

Date of hire: 01.04.2026

Vacancy number: 39033

The position is initially limited until March 31, 2032, as part of the project “Photosynthetic Hydrogen from Cyanobacteria” in accordance with Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz (WissZeitVG). The opportunity to pursue a postdoctoral qualification is available.

Tasks / Responsibilities

We are looking for an intrinsically motivated research assistant who is enthusiastic about research into photosynthetic hydrogen production in cyanobacteria. The project covers:

• Understanding photosynthesis in cyanobacteria and its link to hydrogen production via hydrogenase (H2ase).
• Optimizing electron transfer between photosystem I (PSI) and H2ase, while managing oxygen sensitivity of H2ase.
• Maintaining carbohydrate metabolism in PSI-H2ase mutants to sustain CO2 fixation.
• Contributing biochemical and biological expertise and developing own ideas to optimize photosynthetic hydrogen production in cyanobacteria.

Additional context: the system couples cyanobacterial photoH2 to fuel cells to store and use solar energy.

Requirements

• Completed university degree in biology or biochemistry
• Doctorate in biology or biochemistry with very good to good results (the doctorate must be completed by the date of employment at the latest)

Advantages / Additional Qualifications

• Knowledge of molecular biology, biochemistry, protein design, physiology, and photosynthesis
• Thorough and independent working methods
• High degree of organizational skills
• Intrinsic motivation and enthusiasm for the subject

Application Materials

Please send a single PDF file containing a letter of motivation, two references, your CV, a list of methods you have mastered, and a research concept (1–2 pages) on optimizing cyanobacterial photohydrogen production.

Contact & Questions

If you have any questions, please contact Prof. Dr. Kirstin Gutekunst: kirstin.gutekunst(at)uni-kassel.de.

Legal & Diversity Notes

In the event of any differences between the German and English versions of this call for applications, the German wording is legally binding. The University of Kassel is committed to family-friendly policies and equal opportunities and welcomes applications from women. Seriously handicapped and equivalent applicants are given preference if they have the same qualifications. Full-time positions are generally divisible.

Our Offer

• A varied range of tasks within a modern and ambitious university
• Interdisciplinary teamwork with a collegial working atmosphere
• Opportunities for professional and interdisciplinary further education
• Good public transport connections with free current use

Employment Benefits

• Additional company pension (VBL)
• Optional child supplement in accordance with TV-Hessen
• Annual bonus
• Capital accumulation benefits
• Support for voluntary commitment
• Low-cost university sports and fitness programs (Unifit) and workplace health management

How to Apply

Apply online with the usual documents, including the reference number in the subject line. For more information, the FAQ and data protection notices are available on the university website. The University of Kassel stores and uses personal data in accordance with the Hessian Data Protection and Freedom of Information Act; you may object at any time. Personal data will be deleted after the selection process.

Data Protection & FAQ

Information according to Art. 13 DSGVO for the application process: www.uni-kassel.de/go/ausschreibung-datenschutz

FAQ about applying for a job offer: https://www.uni-kassel.de/uni/universitaet/stellenangebote/hinweise-und-faq-zur-bewerbung-auf-ein-stellenangebot