Head of a postdoctoral research group (f)

External Job Advertisement Reg. Nr. 5-5275/26-D

The Faculty of Natural Sciences I, Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology and the Interdisciplinary Collaborative Research Centre 1664 Plant Proteoform Diversity – SNP2Prot at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg is seeking a full‑time post for a Head of a postdoctoral research group (f) for a fixed term of 5 years.

Remuneration will be determined based on job duties and responsibilities and will be aligned with the fulfillment of listed personal requirements, up to pay grade E14 TV‑L under the TV‑L (Tarifvertrag für den Öffentlichen Dienst der Länder – 'German Public Service Pay Agreement for the Federal States').

In accordance with the requirements of the external funding agency, this call for proposals is open only to women.

As part of the FEM POWER Vision project run by the Coordination Office for Gender Research and Equal Opportunities in Saxony‑Anhalt, the aim is to increase the retention of qualified women in science and improve their eligibility for tenure, with a focus on STEM. We are seeking an established female researcher with research interests in the fields of ‘Molecular Plant Sciences’, “protein biochemistry” and/or “RNA biology”. A key research focus should be on the study of protein structures. As a junior research group leader, you will lead a major research project independently and with your own budget. Once the junior research group is established, you can fill the post of a research assistant. You will have the opportunity to secure further posts for your junior research group by applying for appropriate third‑party funding. You can also gain the teaching experience required for eligibility for a professorship whilst working with us as a junior research group leader.

Job Responsibilities

• Conduct pioneering, innovative and independent research into the structure and function of biologically relevant macromolecules
• Establish and manage an independent research group
• Supervise and guide the staff of the early‑career research group, including PhD students, and manage the associated staffing, workspace and activities
• Participate actively in SFB 1664 ‘Diversity of Plant Proteomorphs’ – SNP2Prot and other relevant research networks, including local non‑university research institutions
• Acquire third‑party funding
• Present and publish the results in academic journals and at conferences, amongst other venues
• Teach in the Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes in Biochemistry
• Participate in the university’s administrative self‑governance

Requirements

• A completed university degree and a PhD in biochemistry or a related discipline
• Excellent knowledge of the structure and function of biologically relevant macromolecules
• Relevant teaching experience is desirable
• A proven track record in research into the structure and function of biologically relevant macromolecules using modern experimental methods
• Relevant publications in international peer‑reviewed journals, preferably as first or corresponding author
• An interest in interdisciplinary cooperation and collaboration
• An interest in securing additional external funding and relevant experience in drafting funding applications
• Excellent teaching skills combined with outstanding communication and presentation skills
• Ability to work independently
• Fluency in spoken and written German and English
• A willingness to undertake undergraduate teaching in German
• Commitment, leadership skills and the ability to work in a team, organisational skills

We Offer

• Interdisciplinary expertise on site and shared use of the experimental facilities at the Faculty of Natural Sciences I
• Comprehensive, personalised professional development throughout all stages of your career, with a wide range of further training and qualification opportunities
• A family‑friendly, diversity‑oriented, and intercultural work environment at a certified family‑oriented university, including holiday childcare and a health management framework to promote and maintain good health, as well as a broad university sports programme

Applications from disabled persons, including those of equal status (as certified by the Bundesagentur für Arbeit / Federal Employment Agency), will be given preferential consideration if they are equally suitable and qualified. Women are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications from individuals of all nationalities are explicitly welcome.