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The University of Marburg, founded in 1527, offers a variety of excellent programs of study for around 22,000 students and confronts the important topics of our time through excellent research across a broad spectrum of sciences.

The Department of Biology and the Center for Synthetic Microbiology (SYNMIKRO), in the context of the ERC Advanced Grant “C-SWITCH”, research group of Prof. Martin Thanbichler, aims to fill two positions as

Postdoc (Reseach Assistant) in biochemistry and bacterial cell biology

The position runs until 30th September 2028. The starting date is as soon as possible. The position is fulltime with salary and benefits commensurate with a public service position in the State of Hesse, Germany (TV-H E 13, 100 %).

Nucleotide-dependent molecular switches play a key role in the regulation of cellular processes such as translation, protein folding, cytoskeletal dynamics and cell differentiation. Recently, a new class of regulatory switches (C-switches) was discovered that use the pyrimidine nucleotide CTP as a cofactor. Database searches indicate that C-switches are widespread in bacteria, archaea and bacteriophages. However, only very few representatives have been studied to date, which all have critical roles in bacterial growth or pathogenicity. The aim of the ERC Advanced Grant C-SWITCH is to gain comprehensive insight into the biology of this new class of regulators and to elucidate how they use CTP binding and hydrolysis to control protein activity and cellular functions. To this end, the project will identify novel C-switch proteins, analyse the functions of prototypical representatives using state-of-the-art in vitro, in vivo and in silico methods, and explore the potential of these proteins as novel targets for antibacterial therapy. These analyses will pave the way to a comprehensive understanding of C-switches as versatile regulators in biology and contribute to global efforts to combat antibiotic resistance.

Activities and responsibilities

Tasks:

bioinformatic identification and analysis of potential C-switches
biochemical, biophysical and structural biological analysis of purified candidate proteins
functional characterization of candidate proteins i_n vivo_ using genetic, cell biological and physiological approaches
cooperative research in a multidisciplinary and international environment
communication of research results through publications and conference presentations

This is a project position that is not limited in time according to § 2 (1) WissZeitVG.

Profile:

MSc-degree (or equivalent) and PhD/doctorate in a research area relevant to the described project (e.g. biochemistry, microbiology or cell biology)
extensive experience in the purification and in vitro characterization of proteins
expertise in all common molecular biology methods
expertise in the use of standard biological and structural biology software and online resources
optimally: Experience in bioinformatics and/or fluorescence microscopy
experience in the supervision of scientific projects

We offer:

a dynamic international research environment in one of the centers of microbiological research in Europe
a comprehensive and state-of-the-art technical and facility infrastructure
support for international researchers from the International Office of the Philipps-Universität Marburg
ticket for free use of public transport in the state Hesse, Germany (Landesticket)
options for remote work
company extra pension scheme (VBL)

Entry date: as soon as possible
Application deadline: 2025-05-04
Salary: E 13 TV-H
Duration: 2028-09-30
Volume of employment: full-time

Prof. Martin Thanbichler
+49 6421-28 21809
email

We support women and strongly encourage them to apply. In areas where women are underrepresented, female applicants will be preferred in case of equal qualifications. As a certified family-friendly university, we support our employees in balancing family and career. Sharing a full-time position (§ 8 Abs. 2 S. 1 HGlG) as well as a reduction of working time is possible. Applicants with a disability as discribed in SGB IX (§ 2 Abs. 2, 3) will be preferred in case of equal qualifications. Application and interview costs can not be refunded.

Registration number: ZE-0034-synmikro-wmz-2025

Please apply by 4th May 2025 using the application button.

Apply now

Full-Time , Temporary

Postdoc

Updated at 04/04/2025

While applying for the job please refer to jobvector and use the following reference number: ZE-0034-synmikro-wmz-2025