The Friedrich Schiller University Jena is a dynamic and innovation-driven university centrally located in Germany. With a broad range of disciplines, it shapes the future through excellent research and teaching. Its scientific excellence is reflected in the profile areas Light – Life – Liberty, which provide pioneering insights and sustainable solutions for the society of tomorrow. Through close collaborations with leading research institutions, innovative companies, and renowned cultural organizations, it advances interdisciplinary developments. With around 17,000 students and approximately 10,000 employees, it defines Jena as a vibrant, internationally connected city of science and innovation.

The research group of Prof. Hellmich at the Cluster of Excellence “Balance of the Microverse” invites applications for a

Postdoctoral Researcher in Membrane Structural Biology

commencing on July 1, 2026 or upon agreement. We offer a full-time position (100%, 40 hours per week) at the University of Jena, offered as a fixed-term position for 2 years.

You will investigate the conformational dynamics and structural principles that govern membrane proteins involved in microbial communication. Your primary focus will be transporters responsible for natural product extrusion and antibiotic resistance, as well as histidine kinases that mediate natural product sensing. Your research will draw on a versatile toolkit of biochemical, biophysical and microbiological methods, with particular attention to protein–protein, protein–lipid and protein–ligand interactions. Working closely with colleagues in the community, you will map the allosteric signaling networks within multidomain membrane proteins and use these insights to derive general mechanisms that address fundamental biological questions.

Your responsibilities:

• Perform laboratory experiments and work independently towards your postdoctoral research project
• collaborate closely with computational biologists and the imaging platform of the microverse
• Analyse project results, generate figures for publications, and write scientific manuscripts for publication
• Present your results at local, national, and international meetings and conferences
• Work closely together with other experimental and computational researchers in the research group and within the Cluster
• Assist with training and supervising other researchers (e.g. doctoral candidates, MSc students)
• Contribute to the friendly, welcoming, and collaborative environment in our team
  
  

Your profile:

• A PhD in biochemistry / biophysics / molecular biology / chemistry or closely related disciplines. Candidates in the final stages of obtaining their PhD are encouraged to apply
• Laboratory experience with classic molecular biology and protein biochemistry methods and demonstrated knowledge in one of the core structural biology methods (NMR, X-ray, cryo-EM) is required, additional knowledge in bioanalytical tools (MS, CD, Fluorescence, etc) as well as protein dynamics, lipid interactions or ligand binding are highly advantageous
• the project will require substantial practical and theoretical knowledge in membrane protein production, purification and preparation for structural and dynamic analyses
• Additional knowledge in microbiology, microbial crosstalk and/or antibiotic resistance is considered a plus
• A high level of curiosity, self-motivation, enthusiasm and attention to detail
• A cooperative personality actively seeking to contribute to our interdisciplinary and inclusive Microverse community
• Very good written and spoken English communication skills

Are you hesitating because you don't meet one or some of our requirements? Please do not hesitate to apply and give us a chance to get to know you.

We offer:

• A highly communicative atmosphere within an energetic and interdisciplinary scientific network
• The Jena School for Microbial Communication offers a structured and interdisciplinary training program based on top-level fundamental research and provides comprehensive mentoring programs and soft skills courses for doctoral and postdoctoral researchers
• Jena – City of Science, a young and lively city with a vibrant local cultural agenda
• A dedicated management team, providing support and information on non-scientific subjects, such as onboarding and family life, and organizing individualized career development programs, and events on topics like diversity and collaboration
• Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L) at salary scale E13 — depending on the candidate’s personal qualifications—, including a special annual payment in accordance with the collective agreement
  
  

The 2 year postdoctoral researcher position (TV-L E13, 100%) is funded through the Excellence Strategy of the German federal and state governments. The employment contract will be with the University of Jena. Part-time employment can be discussed.

To promote gender equality in science, applications by women are particularly welcome. Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability.

Are you eager to join us? Then apply by January 20, 2026 using our online portal.