PostDoc (f/m/d)

Postdoctoral Fellow (f/m/d) – focusing on mitochondrial ribosome biogenesis and function

The research group of Prof. Dr. Ricarda Richter‑Dennerlein at the Department of Molecular Biology at the University Medical Center Göttingen invites applications for a postdoctoral fellow. The goal is to understand the mechanisms underlying the biogenesis and function of the human mitochondrial ribosome, which synthesizes the core subunits of the oxidative phosphorylation system. Defects in the mitochondrial ribosome are associated with severe early‑onset diseases involving neurological disorders or cardiomyopathy. We aim to understand how the assembly and function of the human mitochondrial ribosome are regulated, the roles of associated factors, and the key quality control steps that maintain a pool of functional ribosomes.

About us

We combine biochemical and cell biological approaches, including iPS cell culture with differentiation into different cell types, as well as mass spectrometry and structural biology, conducted in collaboration with other research groups on the Göttingen research campus. Göttingen is an international student city located in the center of Germany and hosts several renowned institutions such as the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, providing a highly stimulating and collaborative environment.

Recent publications

• Richter‑Dennerlein et al. (2026) Nat. Rev. Mol. Cell Biol., PMID:
• Heinrichs et al. (2025) Nat. Communications, PMID:
• Lavdovskaia et al. (2024) Nat. Struct. Mol. Biol., PMID:
• Nadler et al. (2022) Nat. Communications, PMID:
• Hillen et al. (2021) Nat. Communications, PMID:

Responsibilities

• Work in a stimulating, international, and collaborative environment
• Develop and drive your own research project and participate in collaborative projects
• Apply a broad spectrum of advanced methods in biochemistry and molecular and cellular biology, including iPS cell culture and cell differentiation
• Analyze large data sets such as sequencing and mass spectrometry data
• Make use of local core facilities and interact with collaborators on campus
• Present your research results at national and international scientific conferences

Qualifications

• Motivated and enthusiastic scientist who can work independently as well as in a team
• BSc/MSc degree and PhD in life sciences such as molecular and cell biology, biochemistry or a related discipline
• Background and interest in mitochondrial biology and/or gene expression
• Experience in working with stem cells
• Experience in the analysis of large data sets (transcriptome/proteome) is advantageous
• Fluent English language skills (written and spoken) are required

Benefits and Terms

• A project in a high‑impact research field embedded in the collaborative environment of the Göttingen Campus, including several supportive facilities and inspiring research consortia
• Fixed‑term full‑time position for 2 years, with the possibility of further extension
• Salary according to the German Public Sector Collective Agreement (TV‑L 13)
• Starting date: as soon as possible
• The UMG is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from suitably qualified candidates
• We further strive for gender and diversity equality and welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Please contact Prof. Dr. Ricarda Richter‑Dennerlein ( ) for further information about the position or our research. We look forward to receiving your application.

Wir freuen uns auf Ihre Bewerbung!