Friedrich Schiller University is a traditional university with a strong research profile rooted in the heart of Germany. As a university covering all disciplines, it offers a wide range of subjects. Its research is focused on the areas Light—Life—Liberty. It is closely networked with non-research institutions, research companies and renowned cultural institutions. With around 17.000 students and more than 10.000 employees, the university plays a major role in shaping Jena’s character as a cosmopolitan and future-oriented city.

The Matthias Schleiden Institute of Genetics, Bioinformatics and Molecular Botany (Division Prof. Dr. Maria Mittag) seeks to fill the position of a

Research Associate (100% Postdoctoral position)

commencing on 1st February 2025.

We offer a full-time position (40 hours per week) initially offered as a fixed-term position until 31th January 2028.

You will be part of our research team and are responsible in finding molecular signaling components involved either in bacterial-algal interactions or in algal photoperception. You will be also involved in teaching Bachelor and Master students.

Your responsibilities:

• Develop, coordinate, manage and publish research projects within (i) the field of algal-bacterial interactions (e.g. Carrasco Flores D et al. 2024, Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 121:e2401632121; Hou et al. 2023, New Phytol. 237: 1620-1635; Stallforth et al. 2023, Trends Biochem. Sci. 48: 71-81) or (ii) algal photoperception (e.g. Rredhi et al. 2024, J Mol Biol. 436:168271; Petersen et al., 2022, Plant Physiol. 190: 924-937).
• Conduct interdisciplinary research with collaboration partners in organic chemistry and (bio)physical chemistry.
• Support faculty teaching in the Bachelor programs Biology/Biochemistry (German language knowledge needed) and in the Master Molecular Life Sciences (English study program) in Plant Sciences and Molecular Life Sciences.
• Supervise and support Bachelor and Master students.
• Work on an own scientific qualification project, e.g. habilitation, tenure track professorship

Please contact Prof. Dr. Maria Mittag (E-Mail: M.Mittag@uni-jena.de) for questions.

Your profile:

• PhD, Dr. rer.nat. or a comparable doctoral degree in molecular biology, cell biology, botany, phycology, microbiology or a related subject.
• The candidate should be highly motivated. Experience with methods of molecular biology, microbiology, plant sciences and biochemistry are desired.
• A very good knowledge of German and English is expected.

We offer:

• A top-level research environment; the group of Maria Mittag is part of the DFG Excellence cluster “Balance of the Microverse” (https://www.microverse-cluster.de/en/) and of SFB “ChemBioSys” (https://www.chembiosys.de/en/).
• Close interaction with collaboration partners at Friedrich Schiller University Jena and Non-University Research Institutes in microbiology, organic chemistry and (bio)physical chemistry.
• University health promotion and a wide range of university sports activities.
• Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L) at / up to salary scale 13 — depending on the candidate’s personal qualifications—, including a special annual payment in accordance with the collective agreement.
• 30 days of vacation per calendar year plus two days off on December 24 and 31.

The advertised position is offered as a fixed-term position for a maximum of 3 year(s) with the possibility to extend.

This is a full-time position (40 hours per week).

Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability.

Are you eager to work for us? Then apply by 13th October 2024 using our online form.