The Faculty of Chemistry, research group Structural Biochemistry, has the following job opening:
Research Position (m/f/d) (PhD candidate)
ID:
Wiss26299
- starting: 01.11.2026
- part-time 50 %
- salary according to Remuneration level E13 TV-L
- fixed-term
The Structural Biochemistry Research Group investigates the structure-function relationship of proteins. A key area of focus is bacterial virulence factors, including the type III secretion system (T3SS) of the human-pathogenic bacterium Yersinia enterocolitica (e.g. Gilzer et al., Nat Commun. 2022, doi 10.1038/s41467-022-30487-1). To continue an ongoing project, we are seeking a candidate who, with enthusiasm, commitment and attention to detail, wishes to investigate the molecular function of individual T3SS proteins and their interactions, using biochemical and X-ray crystallography methods. There is an opportunity to pursue a PhD within the research group’s project.
Your Tasks
- contributing to research projects on the structure and molecular function of proteins (60 %)
- molecular biology work (cloning, mutagenesis, etc.)
- recombinant protein expression, primarily in E. coli
- functional analyses (e. g. binding assays, enzyme assays, spectroscopy, etc.)
- protein purification and protein crystallisation
- X-ray diffraction experiments, data analysis, structure determination
- Documentation and publication
- teaching duties involving the supervision of practical sessions and tutorials in biochemistry and Chemistry, 2 LVS (25 %)
organisational duties within the research group (15 %)
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Employment is conducive to scientific qualification and provides the opportunity for further academic development.
We offer
- salary according to Remuneration level E13 TV-L
- fixed-term (3 Years) (§ 2 (1) sentence 1 of the WissZeitVG; in accordance with the provisions of the WissZeitVG and the Agreement on Satisfactory Conditions of Employment, the length of contract may differ in individual cases)
- part-time 50 %
- internal and external training opportunities
- variety of health, consulting and prevention services
- reconcilability of family and work
- collegial working environment
- open and pleasant working atmosphere
- exciting, varied tasks
- various offers (canteen, cafeteria, restaurants, Uni-Shop, ATM, etc.)
Your Profile
We expect
- completed university degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in biochemistry or a related scientific discipline
- in-depth knowledge of biochemistry, Molecular Biology and biophysical Chemistry
- practical experience with molecular biology techniques and recombinant protein expression
- practical experience with protein purification
- ability to work independently, meticulously and with dedication
- ability to work as part of a team
- very good command of spoken and written English and a good command of spoken and written German
- desire to pursue a doctorate
Preferred experience and skills
- knowledge of protein structure determination
- practical experience of protein crystallisation and X-ray structural analysis
- practical experience of biophysical methods (e. g. DSF, MST, BLI, ITC, CD, SPR, etc.)
- practical experience in investigating protein-protein interactions
Application Procedure
We are looking forward to receiving your application. To apply, please preferably use our online form via the application button below.
application deadline: 13.09.2026
Contact
Prof. Dr. Hartmut Niemann
+49521-106 6154
[email protected]
Postal Address
Universität Bielefeld
Biochemie IV
Prof. Dr. Hartmut Niemann
Postfach 10 01 31
33501 Bielefeld
Bielefeld University has received a number of awards for its achievements as an equal-opportunity employer and has been recognized as a family-friendly university. The university welcomes applications from women. This is particularly true with regard both to academic and technical posts as well as positions in information technology as well as the skilled crafts and trades. Applications are handled according to the provisions of the state statutes on equal opportunity. Applications from suitably qualified handicapped and severely handicapped persons are explicitly encouraged.
At Bielefeld University on request positions can be carried out with reduced working hours as long as this does not conflict with official needs.
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