Postdoctoral Research Associate (Wissenschaftliche*r Mitarbeiter*in, Salary Level E 13 TV-L, 100%)

Creating knowledge. Making a difference. Shaping the future. This is what the University of Münster stands for as one of the strongest research‑oriented universities in Germany and one of the largest employers in the region. Every day, over 7,000 employees devote themselves to cutting‑edge research and excellent teaching. We share more than a workplace. We share the desire to make a real impact – regionally and internationally. Our day‑to‑day work is distinguished by diversity, openness and space to pursue one’s ideas. Become a part of our team – in academia, a technical or manual trade, or administration.

The research group led by Prof Dr Ivan Berg within the Institute for Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology in the Faculty of Biology at the University of Münster is seeking to fill the position of a.

You will work in close collaboration with our partners in the Archean Park Project, the Hinrichs lab at MARUM Bremen, the Probst lab at the University Duisburg‑Essen, and the Kallmeyer lab at GFZ Potsdam, and participate in joint meetings and research expeditions to drilling sites. You will study the metabolism of different extremophilic bacteria and archaea using modern biochemical and microbiological methods and cultivate novel microbes. You will provide students working on the project with subject‑related expertise and instruct them on the application of scientific methods.

The successful candidate will become part of the Microbial Physiology Group led by Prof Dr Ivan Berg based at the University of Münster. You will be offered a wide range of opportunities for creative and innovative work applying state‑of‑the‑art methodologies in a variety of scientific disciplines.

• A PhD and a scientific university degree (German Diplom, Master’s Degree or comparable) in microbiology, biochemistry, geomicrobiology, or closely related discipline is required
• Demonstrable knowledge in the field of microbial metabolism
• Experience with basic laboratory techniques, enzyme assays, molecular cloning, and protein biochemistry
• Experience with liquid chromatography and gas chromatography is desirable
• Experience handling bioreactors, extremophilic microorganisms, and anaerobes is an advantage
• A secure knowledge of spoken and written English
• Ability to work in a team, have good communication skills, excellent organizational skills, and an independent working style
• Solid track record of publications in peer‑reviewed international journals as appropriate for the career stage

Advantages for you:

• Work on an exciting, highly interdisciplinary cutting‑edge project
• Possibility to become integrated into broader networks within the University of Münster and our partners in the Archean Park Project
• Appreciation, commitment, openness and respect – values which are important to us.
• Broad range of diverse work‑time models offers great flexibility – also when working from home.
• If you have family members or young children in your care, our Family Service Office offers concrete support to help you balance your private and professional responsibilities.
• As a university employee, you are entitled to numerous benefits afforded to public servants, e.g. an attractive company pension scheme (VBL), an annual end‑of‑year bonus and a position that is shielded from economic fluctuations.

The University of Münster strongly supports equal opportunity and diversity. We welcome all applicants regardless of sex, nationality, ethnic or social background, religion or worldview, disability, age, sexual orientation or gender identity. We are committed to creating family‑friendly working conditions. Part‑time options are generally available. We actively encourage applications by women and women with equivalent qualifications and academic achievements will be preferentially considered unless these are outweighed by reasons which necessitate the selection of another candidate.