The research group led by Prof Julia Kurth within the Institute for Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology in the Faculty of Biology at the University of Münster is seeking to fill the position of a
Postdoctoral Research Associate (Wissenschaftliche*r Mitarbeiter*in, salary level E 13 TV-L, 100%)
for the ERC Starting Grant project ‘Archaebolic’ at the earliest possible date. We are offering a fixed-term full-time position for 3 years. This project aims to discover archaeal methane production from previously overlooked methylated compounds. Prof Kurth’s research group investigates the metabolism of anaerobic microorganisms, mainly archaea, and combines molecular biology, protein biochemistry, anaerobic cultivation and omics techniques. The postdoc position offered is funded by the ERC Starting Grant project ‘Archaebolic’ and aims to assess the impact of archaea with just recently discovered methyltransferase systems on greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, environmental samples and metagenomic data will be screened for yet uncharacterized methyltransferase systems. Another goal is obtaining enrichment cultures of novel archaeal strains. The successful candidate will become part of the Microbial Physiology Group led by Prof Kurth and based at the University of Münster. You will be offered a wide range of opportunities for creative and innovative work applying state-of-the art methodologies in a variety of scientific disciplines.
Your tasks:
- Obtaining samples from different environments
- Primer design and sample preparation for amplicon sequencing, data analysis
- Analyzing metagenomic data
- Setting up and maintaining bioreactor and batch cultivations
- Following culture dynamics and metabolic activities in batch incubations as well as in enrichment cultures in bioreactors (fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), qRT-PCR, metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis).
- Eventually additionally characterization of novel methyltransferase systems
- (Heterologous) production of the relevant proteins
- Setting up and optimizing UV-vis spectroscopy and enzyme activity assays
- Documentation and presentation of results at scientific conferences
- Publication of results in scientific journals
Our expectations:
- A PhD and a scientific university degree (German Diplom, master's degree or comparable) in microbiology, biology or biochemistry or comparable is required.
- Experience with microbiological, analytical and omics methods is expected.
- Experience in bioinformatics and (amplicon, genomic and/or transcriptomic) data analysis is expected.
- Experience in working with anaerobic microorganisms and/or bioreactors is an advantage.
- Experience in performing fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and qRT-PCR is an advantage.
- Enthusiasm, good communication and teamwork skills, willingness to learn and desire to develop into an independent scientist is essential.
- A good command of English is required.
- An independent, structured approach to research work is expected.
Advantages for you:
- Appreciation, commitment, openness and respect – values which are important to us.
- Our broad range of diverse work-time models offers great flexibility – also when working from home.
- If you have family members or young children in your care, our Family Service Office offers concrete support to help you balance your private and professional responsibilities.
- As an educational institution, we are deeply committed to offering occupational training and continuing education opportunities tailored to your individual needs.
- From A – Z, Aikido to Zumba, our sport and health programmes ensure a healthy work-life balance.
- As a university employee, you are entitled to numerous benefits afforded to public servants, e.g. an attractive company pension scheme (VBL), an annual end-of-year bonus and a position that is shielded from economic fluctuations.
The University of Münster strongly supports equal opportunity and diversity. We welcome all applicants regardless of sex, nationality, ethnic or social background, religion or worldview, disability, age, sexual orientation or gender identity. We are committed to creating family-friendly working conditions. Part-time options are generally available.
We actively encourage applications by women. Women with equivalent qualifications and academic achievements will be preferentially considered unless these are outweighed by reasons which necessitate the selection of another candidate.
f you are interested in the position, please send your application (cover letter, CV, certificates) in electronic form (in one PDF file) by 2026-01-15 o the following email address: Julia.kurth@uni-muenster.de.
Universität Münster
Institut für Molekulare Mikrobiologie und Biotechnologie
Prof. Dr. Julia Kurth
Corrensstraße 3, 48149 Münster
Reference number: 2025_12_25
