The Institute of Biochemistry at Heinrich Heine University is seeking a/an Doctoral Researcher [...]

Main tasks

Our research group "Synthetic Membrane Systems" at the University of Düsseldorf aims to elucidate the assembly and conformational dynamics of cellular machineries involved in transport of proteins, polysaccharides and small molecules across bacterial membranes. We investigate biological processes of various complexity in living cells, as well as native‑like custom‑tailored lipid membranes, which are suitable for detailed biophysical and structural analysis. We are currently searching for a Doctoral Researcher interested in studying structure and functional mechanisms of multicomponent transport systems involved in assembly of bacterial biofilms, secretion of metabolites, as well as membrane protein biogenesis. Key tasks include:

• Isolation and biochemical characterization of membrane protein complexes,
• Biophysical analysis of protein:protein, protein:lipid and protein:ligand interactions,
• Development of procedures to prepare protein complexes for structural analysis,
• Conducting collaborative research with groups in microbiology, computational biology, and biophysics,
• Supervision of Bachelor/Master projects and support of teaching activities in Biochemistry (practical courses; 2.6 SWS)

Your Profile

• M.Sc. or Diploma in Biophysics, Biochemistry or related area (final grade at least "very good"). Candidates who are about to finish their studies are also encouraged to apply,
• Practical experience in (membrane) protein biochemistry/biophysics gained along Bachelor/Master projects. Microbiology knowledge is a plus,
• Documented experience with at least one biophysical method (e.g. surface plasmon resonance, microcalorimetry, fluorescence spectroscopy toolbox) or structural biology (crystallography, cryo‑electron microscopy),
• Strong motivation to carry out an individual scientific research project,
• High level of own initiative in planning and carrying out the research line,
• Critical thinking and ability to adapt to the project developments,
• Willingness to supervise Bachelor and Master students,
• Interest to contribute to further development of the hosting Institute,
• Excellent communication, organizational and analytical skills,
• Very good English language skills (speaking and writing). Knowledge of German is beneficial.

Our Offer

• Doctoral Researcher position is to be filled from October 2026. The initial contract issued for one year, with a further extension up to 3.5 year. It is a qualification position in the sense of the Act of Academic Fixed‑Term Contract (Wissenschaftsvertragsgesetz -WissZeitVG), which is to promote the scientific qualification of the employee.
• Direct access to the excellent infrastructure for biochemical/biophysical research, further supported by collaborations with groups in
  Düsseldorf/Cologn area, and at the national and international levels
• Placement in the international and dynamic environment of Biochemistry/Biology institutes of the University of Düsseldorf,
• Access to diverse training/career development programs provided by the University.

Please, submit you application exclusively via the portal of HHU Düsseldorf. Besides your detailed letter of motivation, CV, certificates and transcripts of Bachelor and Diploma/Master studies, please provide themes of previous research projects and two letters of recommendation.

About us

Please, find details about our research group here: synmemsys.hhu.de

Heinrich Heine University upholds the principle of "Excellence through Diversity". It has signed the "Diversity Charter" and successfully participated in the Stifterverband's audit "Shaping Diversity". It is certified as a family‑friendly university and has set itself the goal of promoting diversity among its staff. Applications from people of all genders are expressly welcome. Applications from women will be given preferential consideration in accordance with the State Equal Opportunities Act. The application of severely disabled persons and persons with equivalent disabilities is also welcome. In order for a severe disability or equality to be taken into account, please provide evidence of this with suitable documents.