Postdoctoral Scientist (gn*) Chemistry, Synthetic Biology or a related field

Fixed-term for 2 years | Full-time (38.5 hours) | Salary according to TV-L E13 | Institut for Physiological Chemistry and Biochemistry

We are UKM. We have a clear social mission and, with our focus on healthcare, research, and teaching, we bear a unique responsibility.

To meet our high standards every day, we are looking forward to your scientific expertise in the Institut für Physiologische Chemie und Pathobiochemie. In Prof. Seraphine Wegner’s research group, we investigate synthetic cell communication and develop light-based approaches to connect synthetic and living cells. As part of the ERC Consolidator Grant “Lighthouse”, the project focuses on establishing and characterizing a non-chemical mode of cell-to-cell communication using visible light. The aim is to investigate light-based communication in molecularly defined synthetic cells and establish a framework for the controlled organization and interaction of multicellular systems – ideally with you on board!

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Establishment of non-chemical communication between synthetic and living cells
• Characterization of light-based communication, including signal generation, cellular response, communication distance, dynamics, and orthogonality
• Development and application of microfluidic approaches for the characterization of light-based communication
• Fluorescence microscopy and image analysis
• Protein- and DNA-based biochemical techniques
• Bacterial and mammalian cell culture

REQUIREMENTS:

• PhD in chemistry, synthetic biology, or a related field with an outstanding academic record
• Practical expertise in relevant biochemical, microscopy, image analysis, cell culture, and/or microfluidic methods
• Strong motivation for interdisciplinary research in the field of synthetic cells
• High degree of initiative and an independent approach to scientific work
• Team-oriented approach to interdisciplinary collaboration
• Good command of English

WE OFFER:

• Salary according to TV-L E13, extra annual payment, and company pension plan (VBL)
• 30 days of vacation per year, plus two additional days off on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve
• A wide range of training and professional development opportunities
• A respectful and appreciative work environment within a diverse team
• Support and advisory services for health and work-life balance
• Additional benefits such as sports programs, job ticket, jobrad, company events, cafeteria, and emergency childcare

For inquiries, please contact: Prof. Seraphine Wegner, [email protected]

Apply now via our career portal including a detailed CV precisely mentioning practical and theoretical skills and a motivation letter.