Doctoral and Postdoctoral Researcher Positions in the Cluster of Excellence ‘Microbes for Climate’

Registration number: ZE-0059-synmikro-wmz-2026

Entry date:

Application deadline:

Salary: E 13 TV-H

Duration: 2 (+2) years / 3 (+1) years

Volume of employment: full-time/part-time (65%)

Cluster of Excellence ‘Microbes for Climate (M4C)’

A collaboration between the University of Marburg, the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology in Marburg, the University of Münster and the University of Giessen focuses on the fundamental molecular mechanisms of microbial contributions to the carbon cycle and the sustainable conversion of CO₂ via synthetic biology.

Position Overview

We invite applications for doctoral (7 positions, 3‑year term, 65% part‑time ) and postdoctoral (2 positions, 2‑year term, full‑time ) researcher roles. Doctoral positions may be extended for an additional year; postdoctoral positions may be extended for an additional two years. The roles will be funded through the Excellence Strategy of the German federal and state governments.

Research Foci

Research Focus 1: Microbes as Drivers of Climate Change – Evolution of the Biological Carbon Cycle.

Research Focus 2: Microbes as Responders to Climate Change – integration of CO₂‑converting molecular machines into the cellular context and the influence of stress factors.

Research Focus 3: Microbes Providing Solutions to Climate Change – Development of new-to‑nature synthetic biology approaches for efficient CO₂/CH₄ conversion.

Qualifications and Profile

• Completed academic degree (Diploma, Master’s, or equivalent) in microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, chemistry, bioinformatics, computational biology or related field.
• For postdoctoral positions: holds a doctoral degree in a relevant field.
• Relevant experience and skills related to the chosen project, with motivation to learn and develop further skills.
• High self‑motivation, enthusiasm for research, and ability to work independently and in an international team.
• Excellent English communication skills.

Benefits

• Varied, responsible role within a renowned, future‑oriented institution.
• Motivated team that values work‑life balance, personal and professional development through seminars, workshops, e‑learning.
• ECR programme supporting academic and professional development.
• Health programmes and comprehensive family‑career flexibility programmes.
• Flexible working hours and mobile working options.
• Annual bonus and remuneration according to the applicable collective agreements of the host institution.

Contact

Dhevi Kalyanaraman

+49 6421‑28 24457

‑marburg.de

Equal Opportunity

All partners within M4C strongly support equal opportunity and diversity, and are committed to family‑friendly working conditions. We welcome all applicants regardless of sex, nationality, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity. Applicants with a disability are given preference if equally qualified.

Applicants should indicate the project number(s) they are applying for in the motivation letter (minimum one, maximum three projects). Please submit a single PDF containing all required documents by 20 August 2026 via the application button.