Early Career Research Assistant (Postdoc)

The third-party funded position, subject to approval, is fixed-term until 31 December 2027, if no former times of qualification must be considered. The starting date is as soon as possible. The position is fulltime with salary and benefits commensurate with a public service position in the State of Hesse, Germany (TV-H E 13, 100 %).

The Microcosm Earth Center (MEC) is a cooperation between the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology and the Philipps-University Marburg with generous support from the Max Planck Society and the State of Hessen. It sets the stage for an early identification and development of new research topics and aims for the training and promotion of outstanding young talents in the field of microbiology. 

Within the framework of the EARLY CAREER POSTDOC GROUP PROGRAM at the Microcosm Earth Center, exceptional early-career scientists are offered the opportunity to establish an independent research group following completion of their PhD or during a very early phase of their postdoctoral career. To support the establishment of the research group, funding is provided for an additional scientific position as well as an independent budget for consumables and research expenses.

Microbes play an essential role in the environment, climate and health. They produce and consume climate-relevant greenhouse gases (CO2 and methane), and influence soil fertility and biodiversity. Not only do they shape the life of every single human being, they are also the key to finding answers to the most pressing questions facing humanity: nutrition, health and global climate.

Tasks:

• Developing an independent line of research in environmental, molecular and synthetic microbiology
• Performing cooperative research in a multidisciplinary and international environment
• Communication of research results through publications and conference presentations
• Applying for own external funding preparing the next career step becoming a principal investigator 

The position will be filled by a temporary contract that is limited to the period which is necessary to gain further scientific expertise (such as the preparation for a subsequent qualification period). Within the entrusted tasks the opportunity for independent scientific work to obtain further personal qualification is given. The limitation complies with Section 2 (1) of the German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (WissZeitVG).

Profile:

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) and a PhD/doctorate in a research field relevant to the position (e.g. biochemistry, microbiology, or synthetic biology)
• Excellent expertise in the structural biochemical and enzymological analysis of proteins
• Very good knowledge in structural biological analysis of proteins (e.g., X-ray crystallography)
• Initial proven experience in the independent supervision and leadership of scientific projects (e.g., demonstrated by corresponding senior/last authorship)
• Initial experience in supervising and mentoring PhD students 

Disposition to own scientific qualification is expected.

We offer:

• a dynamic international research environment as one of the centers of microbiological research in Europe
• a comprehensive and state-of-the-art technical and facility infrastructure
• support for international researchers from the International Office of the Philipps-University Marburg
• ticket for free use of public transport in the state Hesse, Germany (Landesticket)
• possibility of home office
• company extra pension scheme (VBL)

Contact for more Information

We support women and strongly encourage them to apply. In areas where women are underrepresented, female applicants will be preferred in case of equal qualifications. As a certified family-friendly university, we support our employees in balancing family and career. A reduction of working time is possible. Applicants with a disability as discribed in SGB IX (§ 2 Abs. 2, 3) will be preferred in case of equal qualifications. Application and interview costs can not be refunded.

Interested candidates are invited to send a written application consisting of a CV, a list of publications and a description of scientific activities and plans (3 pages max.) as well as two recommendation letters from PIs, all combined in one single pdf.

Please apply by 15 March 2026 using the application button below.

---