Doctoral / Postdoctoral Researcher in the Excellence Cluster ‘Microbes for Climate’

About the Position

The Philipps University, founded in 1527, offers outstanding education to about 22,000 students and conducts cutting-edge research addressing key contemporary scientific challenges. The Excellence Cluster 'Microbes for Climate (M4C)' focuses on uncovering molecular mechanisms whereby microorganisms influence the carbon cycle and applies synthetic biology to develop more efficient and sustainable CO2 conversion pathways. This interdisciplinary effort combines studies from atomic enzyme structures to cellular system levels and involves the University of Marburg, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology (Marburg), University of Münster, and University of Gießen.

We invite motivated early-career researchers to apply for a doctoral or postdoctoral researcher position within the M4C cluster, to begin January 2027.

Positions Available

• Seven doctoral positions: initially 3 years, part-time (65%) with possible extension of up to 1 additional year.
• Two postdoctoral positions: initially 2 years, full-time with possible extension of up to 2 additional years.

Salary and pension benefits comply with the respective institutional collective agreements (e.g., TV-H, TV-L, TVöD-Bund).

Research Focus Areas

• Microbes and Climate Change Drivers: Studying the evolution and molecular basis of microbial CO2 fixation that established the biological carbon cycle billions of years ago.
• Microbial Responses to Climate Change: Investigating spatial-temporal integration of CO2-processing molecular machines within cells, effects of stressors, and cellular networks maintaining their function.
• Microbes as Climate Change Solutions: Using synthetic biology to create novel and more efficient biological CO2 conversion pathways that natural evolution has not produced.

Candidate Profile

• Completed degree (Diploma, Master, or equivalent) in microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, chemistry, bioinformatics, or related discipline.
• For postdoctoral positions, a doctoral degree is additionally required.
• Relevant prior experience and skills related to the chosen project, coupled with eagerness to learn and acquire new skills.
• Curiosity, strong self-motivation, and enthusiasm for advancing your research project.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within an international team, excellent English proficiency, and a commitment to contributing to M4C goals.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to engage in a stimulating and responsible role within a prestigious, future-oriented institution.
• A supportive team emphasizing work-life balance and ongoing professional and personal development via seminars, workshops, and e-learning.
• Structured Early Career Researcher program fostering academic and career growth.
• Comprehensive health programs and extensive family-friendly policies promoting work-family balance.
• Flexible working hours and options for mobile work according to institutional guidelines.
• Annual special payments and compensation regulated by applicable collective agreements.

Additional Information and Application Details

• Positions are funded through the Excellence Strategy of the German federal and state governments.
• The M4C consortium is committed to equal opportunity and diversity, encouraging applications regardless of gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
• Women are particularly encouraged to apply and may receive priority in fields where they are underrepresented if equally qualified.
• Applicants with disabilities (under SGB IX §§2 Abs. 2, 3) will be given preference if qualifications are equivalent.
• Application and interview costs will not be reimbursed.
• Please submit applications by August 20, 2026 via the official application portal, including all relevant documents compiled in a single PDF.
• Specify in your motivation letter the project number(s) (minimum one, maximum three) you are applying to from the information available on the M4C career page.
• Submissions will be shared appropriately among cluster partners adhering to data protection regulations.

For further details, contact Mrs. Dhevi Kalyanaraman at +49 6421 28 24457 or m4c@uni-marburg.de.