Research Assistants (Doctoral Researcher/PhD)

Registration Details

Registration number: fb -wmz-2026
Entry date:
Application deadline:
Salary: E 13 TV-H
Duration: 3 years
Volume of employment: part-time (65%)

University

The University of Marburg, founded in 1527, offers a variety of excellent programmes of study for around 22,000 students and confronts the important topics of our time through excellent research across a broad spectrum of sciences.

Position Overview

The research group on “Mitochondrial Gene Expression” led by Dr. Benedict Tan within the Department of Pharmacy is currently accepting applications for two Research Assistants (Doctoral Researcher/PhD). The positions are offered for a period of 3 years, with a starting date of 1 October 2026. They are part‑time (65% of regular working hours) with salary and benefits commensurate with a public service position in the state of Hesse, Germany (TV‑H E 13, 65%).

Research Project

This position is funded as part of the CRC/Transregio 440: “smART – specific mRNA targeting”, with the goal of developing new RNA‑based technologies to control the function of disease‑relevant eukaryotic mRNAs. The project aims to establish the biological function of 7S RNA, a non‑coding, mitochondrial DNA‑encoded transcript, primarily through biochemical methods involving purified recombinant proteins and RNA, and by developing precision small‑molecule ligands to modulate the function of 7S RNA in living cells.

Tasks

• Scientific services in research and teaching with a focus on RNA‑ligand interactions
• Identification and characterization of new 7S RNA‑binding proteins
• Development of small‑molecule libraries and high‑throughput screening platforms to characterize 7S RNA‑targeting ligands using structural probing techniques (e.g., SHAPE‑MaP)
• Expression and purification of recombinant mitochondrial proteins
• Preparation of mitochondrial extracts
• Synthesis and purification of DNA and RNA molecules for biochemical experiments

Profile

• MSc degree or equivalent in biochemistry, biology or a related field in the life and natural sciences
• Highly motivated individual who thrives in working as part of a team
• Practical experience in the field of biochemistry and/or molecular biology
• Critical thinking and an enthusiasm for scientific inquiry and experimental work
• Prior experience in nucleic acid biochemistry, mitochondrial RNA biology & transcription is an advantage
• Excellent English proficiency is required; knowledge of German is an advantage

Disposition to own scientific qualification i.e., a doctorate project in the area of RNA biochemistry is expected.

Benefits

• A strong research environment within an interdisciplinary team comprising over 20 research groups in the field of RNA biochemistry and RNA therapeutics
• Membership in the integrated graduate school of TRR 440, which offers workshops and seminars on RNA research, bioinformatics, career development, and science communication
• The “Landesticket” for free use of public transportation

Contact

Contact for more information: Dr. Benedict Tan

Equity and Inclusion

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 described in the Social Security Code (Sections 2(2) and 2(3) of Book IX) will be preferred in case of equal qualifications. Application and interview costs cannot be refunded.

Please apply by 2 August 2026.