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 a project within Cluster of Excellence ‘Microbes for Climate (M4C)’ (https://www.uni-marburg.de/en/fb17/m4c). This project investigates the biochemical properties and the evolutionary history of uncharacterized methyltransferases within the methylamine methyltransferase family as well as identifying novel methylated substrates for methane and CO2 production. The part-time position (65% FTE) will be filled as soon as possible for a fixed term of 3 years, with the possibility of a 1-year extension. The Cluster of Excellence M4C deciphers the fundamental molecular mechanisms of microbial contributions to the carbon cycle and uses synthetic biology to develop more efficient ways to sustainably convert CO2. This knowledge will be generated in a scalebridging approach through highly interdisciplinary and integrative studies. Within M4C, Marburg University, the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology in Marburg, the University of Münster and the University of Giessen join forces. Prof Kurth’s research group investigates the metabolism of anaerobic microorganisms, mainly archaea, and combines molecular biology, protein biochemistry, anaerobic cultivation and omics techniques (https://www.uni-muenster.de/Biologie.IMMB.Kurth/en/). The successful candidate will become part of the Microbial Physiology Group led by Prof Kurth and based at the University of Münster. A strong collaboration with other M4C groups, such as Prof Georg Hochberg's lab in Marburg, is planned. 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 in working with anaerobic microbes and oxygen-sensitive proteins is an advantage.
- Experience in bioinformatics and/or protein biochemistry 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 are interested in the position, please send your application (cover letter, CV, certificates) in electronic form (as a single PDF file) by 2025-11-17 to 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_10_30
