Scientific Research Assistant (PhD Candidate) in Synthetic Microbiology

Overview

The Philipps University of Marburg, with its longstanding tradition dating back to 1527 and a student body of approximately 22,000, is renowned for its high-quality teaching and broad scientific research. At the Center for Synthetic Microbiology, a funded doctoral position is open within the Research Training Group “Nucleotide Metabolism in Microbes” (GRK 2937, “MiNu”) supported by the German Research Foundation (DFG). This part-time role (65% full-time equivalent) is for a three-year term starting October 1, 2026, with remuneration at pay group E 13 according to the Hesse state collective agreement (TV-H).

Research Focus

The GRK 2937 group studies the chemical building blocks called nucleotides that form many cellular cofactors and nucleic acids like DNA and RNA, aiming to uncover general principles of nucleotide metabolism and microbe-specific adaptations in related metabolic pathways and modification mechanisms. The doctoral position falls under Subproject 3 led by Dr. Marcus Lechner, focusing on the evolutionary diversification of enzymes involved in microbial nucleotide metabolic pathways, examining their distribution, diversification, and unique taxon-specific traits such as fusions, splits, or alternative enzymes governing these pathways.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop an independent research project requiring a high degree of autonomy.
• Create bioinformatics methodologies to analyze protein evolution in prokaryotes.
• Integrate structural data into software for orthology prediction and track horizontal gene transfer across large datasets.
• Reconstruct evolutionary models for enzymes in microbial nucleotide metabolism.
• Engage in international scientific communication via publications and conference participation.
• Support teaching activities and lead seminars for students when applicable.

Candidate Profile

• Completed scientific degree (Diploma, Master’s, or equivalent) in Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Biotechnology, Biology, or related fields.
• Experience with Linux operating systems and proficiency in programming languages such as C++, Perl, Python, or R.
• Solid understanding of molecular biology concepts.
• Highly motivated team player with curiosity, strong initiative, and enthusiasm for advancing their research project.

Applicants should be willing to pursue their own doctoral qualification, ideally focusing on bioinformatics with an emphasis on comparative genomics.

Institutional Support and Benefits

• A stimulating and modern research environment with comprehensive infrastructure.
• Access to the statewide public transportation ticket (Landesticket) for free use of public transport in Hesse.
• Company pension scheme participation (Versorgungsanstalt des Bundes und der Länder, VBL).
• Active promotion of early career researchers through programs like the Marburg Research Academy (MARA), International Office, and Centre for University Didactics.
• Opportunities for participation in various graduate programs.
• Family-friendly policies with possibilities for work time reduction to aid work-life balance.

Additional Information

• Position classified under pay group 13 TV-H (state collective agreement).
• Part-time employment at 65% of regular working hours.
• Fixed term employment for three years, following §2 Abs. 1 WissZeitVG regulations.
• The position encourages applications from women and individuals with disabilities, with preferences given where equally qualified.
• Applicants bear their own costs for application and interviews; applications must be submitted by August 9, 2026.

Contact

Further inquiries can be directed to Dr. Marcus Lechner at +49 6421-28 25925 or via email at lechner@staff.uni-marburg.de.