In the group “Mechanisms of Molecular Machines” at the Institute for Physical Chemistry at the University of Münster, we are seeking a
Postdoctoral Research Associate (Wissenschaftliche*r Mitarbeiter*in, salary level E 13 TV-L)
with the starting date 1 August 2026. We are offering a full-time position with a fixed-term of 3 years. The DFG-funded project aims at understanding the mechanistic differences between the structurally related topoisomerases Topo II and Topo VI. Both enzymes catalyze the ATP-dependent relaxation and the decatenation of DNA. While Topo II uses a three-gate mechanism, consisting of the coordinated opening and closing of three transient protein-protein interfaces (gates), Topo VI uses only two gates. To understand the differences in these two mechanisms, you will characterize the conformational changes in the catalytic cycles of both enzymes and their coordination by single-molecule FRET microscopy. The group offers state-of-the-art molecular biology and biochemistry laboratories and is equipped with confocal single-molecule microscopes with alternating laser excitation and a total internal reflection microscope with a fast camera detection system.
Your tasks:
- preparing recombinant topoisomerases for single-molecule FRET experiments
- planning, executing and analysing single-molecule FRET experiments
- designing and performing appropriate control experiments to validate your results
- resenting your results in internal meetings and at national and international conferences
- preparing results for publication, including writing and revising manuscripts
- instructing and mentoring of B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. stud
Our expectations:
- a doctoral degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, physics, biophysics or a related field
- experience in molecular biology techniques (E. coli, yeast)
- experience in the recombinant production of proteins, both in E. coli and yeast
- experience in the purification of proteins by chromatographic techniques
- experience in the design, execution and analysis of single-molecule (fluorescence) experiments
- an analytical and critical mindset
- a strong command of English, both written and spoken
- a structured approach to problem-solving combined with strong organizational skills
- the capability to work independently and as part of a team
- a genuine interest in research, combined with scientific curiosity and experimental enthusiasm
Advantages for you:
- efficient on-boarding
- thorough training in modern biochemical and biophysical techniques
- mentoring tailored to your individual needs and goals
- an appreciative and respectful working environment that enables you to grow scientifically and personally
- possibility to attend and participate in national and international conferences
- integration into a dynamic, international and interdisciplinary team
- 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.
Further information at https://www.uni-muenster.de/Chemie.pc/en/forschung/klostermeier/index.html
For questions, please contact Prof. Dr. Dagmar Klostermeier (dagmar.klostermeier@uni-muenster.de).
If you want to join our international and interdisciplinary team, please send your application, consisting of a motivation letter, curriculum vitae, copy of university degree, and two references as a single pdf-file to
Universität Münster
Institut für Physikalische Chemie
Prof. Dr. Dagmar Klostermeier
Corrensstraße 30, 48149 Münster
Phone: 0251 83 23410
Email: dagmar.klostermeier@uni-muenster.de
Other file formats cannot be accepted. Application deadline is 2026-04-30
Reference number: 2026_03_17
