Leitung (m/w/div)(Bio-)Verfahrensentwicklung

Overview

Join to apply for the Leitung (m/w/div)(Bio-)Verfahrensentwicklung role at Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute.

The Leibniz-HKI researches the pathobiology of microorganisms and investigates targets for the development of new natural product–based active substances. We are seeking to strengthen our team in the Biotechnikum with a Team Leader (m/w/div) for (Bio-)Process Development.

The position is initially limited to three years. The Biotechnikum investigates, develops and supports the creation of new bioactive substances and microbiological products for diverse applications. The Leibniz-HKI is located in the science city of Jena at the Beutenberg Campus. The Biotechnikum researches and develops innovative bioprocesses and complete bioprocess chains up to the m3 scale, applying all biological and process engineering methods available, including co-cultures and high-pressure cultivation. We have a broad spectrum of online measurement techniques (e.g., off-gas analysis, fluorescence spectroscopy) of the highest standard, some developed in collaboration with partners.

We are looking for a new team member who will support the department head in realizing this technical potential. The successful candidate will design and coordinate complete Bioprocess chains from µL to m3 with existing and new internal and external partners and plan and organize process implementation with the Biotechnikum team. Collaborations range from basic science to startups to large EU consortia.

What to expect

• Develop concepts for complete process chains and implement them interdisciplinary with the Bioprocess team; lead the team
• Develop research questions in bioprocess engineering and supervise scientific staff
• Recruit new academic and non-academic partners for joint bioprocess developments
• Conceive and draft grant applications at state, federal and EU levels for equipment investments and research projects
• Process, analyze and interpret data from experiments independently, prepare reports and scientific publications
• Participate in scientific discussions and present work at national and international meetings
• Support the department head in the strategic development of the Biotechnikum

Your profile

• PhD in bio-process engineering, bioengineering or a related discipline
• Strong and proven experience in project management and third-party funding acquisition
• Strong and proven experience in bioprocess development including online analytics
• Enjoy working in an international and interdisciplinary research team; team-oriented, creative and independent work
• Fluent German and very good English communication skills

What we offer

• A dynamic, innovative, interdisciplinary, diverse and highly motivated workgroup
• An outstanding scientific environment at the Beutenberg Campus with modern research facilities and an integrated network of life sciences and technical institutes
• Excellent technical equipment and a broad range of state-of-the-art methods
• Opportunities to implement own innovative ideas, develop new projects and advance scientifically
• Integration into early-career training at the Leibniz Association and Leibniz-HKI
• A salary according to TV-L

Application

The Leibniz-HKI is an equal opportunity employer that promotes inclusion at work. It strives to increase the proportion of underrepresented groups when equally qualified. We value diversity and welcome all applications – regardless of gender, nationality, ethnicity and social background, religion/belief, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.

Please submit your complete application documents (cover letter, CV, previous work, letters of recommendation, work references) via the Leibniz-HKI Application Portal. The vacancy ends on 30.09.2025, but the screening of applications is ongoing.

Further information

Prof. Dr. Miriam Agler-Rosenbaum | +49 3641 532-1120 | career@leibniz-hki.de

Leibniz-Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology
Adolf-Reichwein-Straße 23 | 07745 Jena