Research Associate for the Project “BIOCYCLING – Productive Biofilm Systems” § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG

Institution: Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Biology, Institute of Plant Science and Microbiology

Salary level: EGR. 13 TV-L

Start date: 01.09.2025, fixed until 30.08.2028 (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).

Application deadline: 2025-06-23

Scope of work: part-time

Weekly hours: 75 % of standard work hours per week

Your responsibilities

Duties include academic services in the project named above. Research associates may also pursue independent research and further academic qualifications. They may also pursue doctoral studies outside of working duties.

General information on the project BIOCYCLING within the framework of the DFG (German Research Foundation) priority program „Produktive Biofilmsysteme” (SPP 2494):

The project aims to develop bacteria that can degrade PET foils, or particles performing biofilms on the surfaces of the polymer. Within the project various non-pathogenic bacteria will be used to degrade PET efficiently and implement the degradation in the biosynthesis of valuable products for further use in industrial processes.

Specific information on the scheduled research work:

The researcher will be a member of the lab of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Hamburg. The successful candidate will cultivate bacteria in biofilms on PET surfaces and will perform extensive analyses of bacteria, forming biofilms on plastic surfaces. For this the applicant will be using confocal microscopy technologies, life cell imaging combined with highly sophisticated analytical technologies.

Further strain engineering to improve and alter the bacterial performance will be an essential part of the study.

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field.

A university degree in Microbiology, Molecular Life Science, Biochemistry or related field is essential. Successfully completed studies in the field of microbiology, molecular biology or a comparable degree program with a strong focus molecular characterization of metabolic pathways, and protein expression - preferably on PET degrading enzymes-, biofilm research and genetic engineering.Further knowledge on OMICs technologies, molecular biology, and bacterial genetics is required. In addition, theoretical knowledge and work experience in biofilm monitoring are required. Team spirit, excellent oral and written English and German skills are necessary.

We offer

Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements

Continuing education opportunities

University pensions

Attractive location

Flexible working hours

Work-life balance opportunities

Health management, EGYM Wellpass

Educational leave

30 days of vacation per annum

Universität Hamburg—University of Excellence is one of the strongest research educational institutions in Germany. Our work in research, teaching, educational and knowledge exchange activities is fostering the next generation of responsible global citizens ready to tackle the global challenges facing us. Our guiding principle “Innovating and Cooperating for a Sustainable Future in a digital age” drives collaboration with academic and nonacademic partner institutions in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region and around the world. We would like to invite you to be part of our community to work with us in creating sustainable and digital change for a dynamic and pluralist society.

The University of Hamburg is committed to equity. Diversity enriches our university life, whether in our studies, research, teaching, education, or workplace. We therefore welcome all applications, regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic or social background, age, religion or belief, disability, or chronic illness.

Severely disabled and disabled applicants with the same status will receive preference over equally qualified non-disabled applicants.