Postdoc (m / f / d) in Endosymbiosis Research

Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät WorkFromHome

Stellenbeschreibung:

Aufgabenschwerpunkte

Our group is an enthusiastic team of cell and evolutionary biologists who investigate the evolutionary transition from bacterial endosymbionts to eukaryotic organelles. We are eager to understand the interactions of protists with permanent bacterial endosymbionts on a mechanistic level. To this end, we combine an array of state‑of‑the‑art omics technologies with a strong focus on detailed molecular biological and protein biochemical experimentation to test omics‑derived hypotheses. As model systems we established the photosynthetic amoeba *Paulinella chromatophora* and the symbiont‑harboring trypanosomatid *Angomonas deanei* (plus relatives) in the lab. During the past years, we have gained fascinating insights into the process of organellogenesis and developed novel tools to dissect the biology of host / symbiont interactions (see e.g., Singer et al. (2017) Curr Biol. doi: /j.cub. .; Morales et al. (2023) Curr Biol. doi: /j.cub. .; Sørensen et al. (2024) FEBS J. doi: /febs.17356; Maurya et al. (2025) Science Adv. doi: /sciadv.adp8518; Klimenko et al. (2025) Plant Phys. doi: /plphys/kiaf504). To support the research of the group, we are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher. The successful candidate will work on a current project central to our research questions (that can partially be shaped by the interests and strengths of the successful candidate).

Ihr Profil

A PhD in biology, biochemistry or a related area
Research experience in protistology, endosymbiosis biology, organelle biology or comparative genomics (in the latter case, with at least basic wet lab experience in protistology, endosymbiosis or organelle biology)
A strong motivation in experimental work, literature search and scientific writing
Readiness to work independently and as a team player in an interdisciplinary, international team
Fluency (oral and written) in English
Proactive character, creativity, communication and presentation skills, excellent organization and analytical skills
We envision to enable the successful candidate to develop into a group leader and generate independent funding within the next two to three years. Therefore, the position aims at researchers with an excellent academic track record, who are poised for an academic career.

Unser Angebot

The position is initially limited for a period of 2 years with the possibility of extension. It is a qualification position in the sense of the Act of Academic Fixed‑Term Contract (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz - WissZeitVG), which is to promote the scientific qualification of the employee. The pay scale grouping will be 13 TV‑L.