Fachbereich 13 - Biologie Institute for Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology Doctoral Research Associate (Wissenschaftliche*r Mitarbeiter*in, Salary Level E 13 TV-L, 65%) 11.09.2026

for the ERC Synergy Project ‘Archean Park – Relicts of Ancient Cellular Biochemistry in High-CO2 Subsurface Ecosystems’ (Grant Agreement ID: 101118631) at the earliest possible date. A part-time position (65%) is available for a fixed term of 3 years; this position is tied to working towards a doctorate. This interdisciplinary project will explore metabolism of deep biosphere microbes living at high-CO2 conditions.

Your tasks:

• The position involves the completion of a doctoral research project.
• Publication of own research results in leading specialist journals and presentation of the results in seminar lectures as well as at international scientific conferences.

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 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 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.

Our expectations:

• A 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:
• Homologous and heterologous protein expression is desirable
• Protein purification using affinity chromatography and size-exclusion chromatography (e.g., work with ӒKTA /FPLC systems
• Biochemical protein characterization, including activity assays and analysis of enzyme properties
• Anaerobic laboratory work and cultivation
• Bioinformatics (e.g., phylogenetics and database-based protein annotation
• High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography (GC) is highly desirable
• Handling bioreactors, extremophilic microorganisms, and anaerobes is an advantage
• Fluent English skills, both spoken and written, are desirable (language certificate advantageous)
• A valid German Driving License (Class B) for the duration of your contract (or must obtain one within the probation period/first 6-months of the start of your contract)
• Ability to work in a team, have good communication skills, excellent organizational skills, and an independent working style
• Experience supervising and supporting students is desirable, but not required
• Excellent time management skills

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 an educational institution, we are deeply committed to offering occupational training and continuing education opportunities tailored to your individual needs.
• From A – Z, Aikido to Zumba, our sport and health programmes ensure a healthy work life balance.
• 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.

We actively encourage applications by women. Women with equivalent qualifications and academic achievements will be preferentially considered unless these are outweighed by reasons which necessitate the selection of another candidate.
For further information or questions, please do not hesitate to contact Professor Dr Ivan Berg via telephone: +49 251 83 39825 or email [email protected] Are you interested? Then we look forward to receiving your meaningful application in electronic form by 2026-09-11 with the usual documents (motivation letter, CV, relevant certificates, contact details of two referees) via email to: Ms Kassidy Yatso (she/her) | [email protected]

• Subject line : [Reference Number] Archean Park ERC AG Berg PhD [Your Surname]
• Combine all documents into a single PDF file – Please note that we cannot consider other file formats and will not accept multiple files
• Include your surname and reference number in PDF file name

University of Münster
Institute of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology
Prof Dr Ivan Berg
Corrensstraße 3
48149 Münster, Germany • Link:
• Link Berg Lab: Reference number: 2026_08_13