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
Doctoral Research Associate (Wissenschaftliche*r Mitarbeiter*in, salary level E 13 TV-L, 65%)
for the ERC Starting Grant project ‘Archaebolic’. This project aims to discover archaeal methane production from previously overlooked methylated compounds. The part-time position (65% FTE) is available from August 2025 for a period of 3 years. Full-time employees are required to teach 4 hours per week during the semester. 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 PhD position offered is funded by the ERC Starting Grant project ‘Archaebolic’ and aims to characterize novel methyltransferase systems, to study the evolution of these enzyme systems and to discover yet overlooked methane sources. 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. This position is tied to working towards a doctorate.
Your tasks:
- Characterization of novel methyltransferase systems
- (Heterologous) production of the relevant proteins
- Setting up and optimizing UV-vis spectroscopy and enzyme activity assays
- Study the evolution of these enzyme systems
- Investigating the phylogeny of these proteins
- Using ancestral sequence reconstruction to produce ancestral proteins
- Documentation and presentation of results at scientific conferences
- Publication of results in scientific journals
Our expectations:
- A completed scientific university degree (German Diplom, master's degree or comparable) in microbiology, biology or biotechnology or comparable is required.
- Experience with microbiological methods, protein biochemistry and molecular biology is expected.
- Experience working with anaerobic microbes and oxygen-sensitive proteins 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 and German language skills would be advantageous, but are not a requirement.
- 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.
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.
If you have any questions, please contact Prof Julia Kurth (Julia.kurth@uni-muenster.de).
Have we sparked your interest? If so, we look forward to receiving your application (cover letter, CV, certificates) in electronic form (PDF file) by 2025-03-30 at:
Universität Münster
Institut für Molekulare Mikrobiologie und Biotechnologie
Prof. Dr. Julia Kurth
Corrensstraße 3,
48149 Münster
Reference number: 2025_03_10
