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 18,000 students and more than 8,600 employees, the university plays a major role in shaping Jena’s character as a cosmopolitan and future-oriented city.

At the Faculty of Chemistry and Geosciences, in the Collaborative Research Center 1127 ChemBioSys, at the Professorship for Organic Chemistry I and in the working group Chemical Ecology of Cross Kingdom Interactions, applications are invited for two

Research associates (m/f/d) for Chemical Algae Mediators

in part-time employment (65% E13/ 26 hours per week), limited until June 30th, 2026.

The focus of sub-project A01 is on the effect and function of bacterial algae growth and differentiation factors (see e.g. Alsufyani et al., J. Exp. Bot. 2020, 71, 3340). In particular, the hormone-like substance thallusin and its derivatives will be characterized.

Your responsibilities:

• Participation in a scientific team with a focus on natural products synthesis, medicinal chemistry, and isotope labeling (position 1), or on bioinorganic and chemical-biology analytics (position 2), accompanied by biotests.
• Planning and experimental implementation of project aspects, interdisciplinary cooperation with biological project partners, reporting and communication in SFB 1127.
• Generation of scientific results in the form of publications, posters, presentations and dissertations, including participation in national and international conferences.
• Work on scientific qualification, such as a doctoral thesis or postdoctoral qualification.

Your profile:

• A completed scientific university degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in chemistry, chemical biology, biochemistry, pharmacy, or comparable.
• Solid laboratory experience in organic synthesis or medicinal chemistry (position 1) or bio(an)organic chemistry and analytics (position 2).
• Outstanding commitment and ability to work independently.
• Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary reserach in an international team.
• Very good command of written and spoken English. Knowledge of German is a plus.

We offer:

• State-of-the-art laboratories and excellent working environment in synthetic chemistry, chemical biology and instrumental analytics.
• Self-driven contribution to challenging experimental research of strongly interdisciplinary character with national and international cooperation partners.
• Integration in advanced training in the SFB 1127 ChemBioSys and in the graduate school "Jena School of Microbial Communication".
• A family-friendly working environment.
• University health promotion and a wide range of university activities.
• Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L), depending on qualifications, as well as fringe benefits such as capital-forming benefits (VL), job ticket (benefits for public transport) and company pension scheme (VBL).

Participating Institutions:

These are part-time positions of 65% (26 hours per week) provided in the SFB 1127 ("ChemBioSys") of the DFG. Disabled persons will be given preference in case of equal aptitude, ability, and professional qualification. For further information you are welcome to contact the project leaders Prof. Dr. Arndt (hd.arndt@uni-jena.de) or
PD Dr. Wichard (thomas.wichard@uni-jena.de).

Are you interested? Then do not hesitate to send your informative, written application, quoting the registration number 283/2022, preferably by e-mail (a PDF file), no later than 25.08.2022 to: