Scientfic Staff Member (Doctoral Researcher)

About the role

Marburg University is hiring two part-time doctoral research positions in the Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, within the research group “Mitochondrial Gene Expression” led by Dr. Benedict Tan. The appointment starts on 01.10.2026 and is fixed for 3 years, unless qualifying prior periods must be credited. The role is graded at E 13 under the Hessen public service collective agreement (TV-H) and is based at 65% of the regular working time.

The project is part of the collaborative research center / transregional program 440 “smART – specific mRNA targeting”. Its broader aim is to develop new RNA technologies to control disease-relevant eukaryotic mRNAs. In this position, the focus is on understanding the biological function of 7S RNA, a non-coding transcript encoded by mitochondrial DNA. The work will rely mainly on biochemical approaches using purified recombinant proteins and RNA, along with the development of small-molecule ligands to modulate 7S RNA function in living cells.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to research and teaching activities, especially in studies on RNA-ligand interactions
• Identify and characterize proteins that bind to 7S RNA
• Develop small-molecule libraries and high-throughput screening workflows for profiling 7S RNA-binding ligands, including structural analysis methods such as SHAPE-MaP
• Express and purify recombinant mitochondrial proteins
• Prepare mitochondrial extracts
• Synthesize and purify DNA and RNA molecules for biochemical experiments

Requirements

• Completed university-level scientific degree (Diploma, Master’s, or equivalent) in biochemistry, biology, or a related life/science discipline
• Strong motivation and willingness to work collaboratively in a team
• Practical experience in biochemistry and/or molecular biology
• Analytical thinking and genuine enthusiasm for scientific research and hands-on experimental work
• Experience in nucleic acid biochemistry, mitochondrial RNA biology, and transcription is an advantage
• Excellent command of English
• German language skills are an advantage
• Readiness to pursue further scientific qualification and to undertake a doctoral project in RNA biochemistry

Terms and conditions

Reference ID: fb16-0008-wmz-2026

Application deadline: 02.08.2026

Start date: 01.10.2026

Pay grade: E 13 TV-H

Contract length: 3 years

Workload: Part-time at 65% of regular hours

The appointment is governed by Section 2(1) of the German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (WissZeitVG). A reduction of working hours is generally possible.

Women are strongly encouraged to apply, and where women are underrepresented they will be given preference if qualifications are equal. Marburg University is family-friendly and supports work-life balance. Applicants with disabilities within the meaning of the German Social Code IX will also be given preference if equally qualified. Travel and application costs will not be reimbursed.

Benefits

• Strong research environment within an interdisciplinary team and more than 20 research groups in RNA biochemistry and RNA therapeutics
• Membership in the integrated graduate school of TRR 440 with workshops and seminars on RNA research, bioinformatics, career development, and science communication
• Free use of public transport in Hesse through the state ticket (Landesticket)
• Professional development support through the IRTG in TRR 440, Marburg Research Academy (MARA), the International Office, and the university didactics center

Contact

Dr. Benedict Tan
Phone: +49 6421 28-25876
Email: ben.tan@uni-marburg.de