registration number: fb17-0026-wmz-2026

Entry date: as soon as possible

Application deadline: 2026-11-01

Salary: E 13 TV-H

Duration: 3 years

Volume of employment: part-time (65%)

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, research group “Bacterial Cell Biology”, Prof. Dr. Martin Thanbichler (PubMed), is currently accepting applications for a

PhD position in Bacterial Cell Biology (doctoral research assistant)

in the context of the Research Training Group Microbial Nucleotide Metabolism (GRK 2937), funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). The position is limited to a duration of 3 years. The starting date is as soon as possible. Salary and benefits commensurate with a public service position in the state Hesse, Germany (TV-H E 13, 65%).

Nucleotides play a critical role in bacterial physiology, driving fundamental processes such as DNA/RNA biosynthesis, cell envelope biogenesis, and energy metabolism. The Research Training Group "Microbial Nucleotide Metabolism" (GRK 2937) aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms mediating vital nucleotide-dependent processes. Furthermore, it provides doctoral candidates with a comprehensive, structured training program designed to equip them with a broad knowledge base and an advanced molecular microbiology skillset. Within this framework, the open PhD position focuses on the mechanisms driving bacterial DNA segregation. In particular, the successful candidate will investigate the mechanistic principles underlying the function and organization of the conserved ParAB_S_ partitioning system, using a combination of cell biological, genetic, biochemical, biophysical and computational approaches. These studies will shed light on fundamental principles of cellular organization in bacteria while preparing the candidate for a successful career in the life sciences.

Tasks:

Scientific services in research
Analysis of protein localization dynamics using advanced live-cell fluorescence techniques
Biochemical, biophysical and structural biological characterization of purified proteins
System-wide interaction analyses using current proteomics & ChIP-seq workflows
Cooperative research in a diverse, international, and multidisciplinary environment
Communication and dissemination of research results publications and presentations at (inter)national conferences

Within the scope of the assigned tasks, the position provides the opportunity for independent scientific research, which serves the candidate's own academic qualification. The duration of the contract is governed by § 2 Abs. 1 of the German WissZeitVG (Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act).

Profile:

M.Sc. degree (or equivalent) in molecular microbiology or biochemistry
Comprehensive hands-on experience with standard molecular biology techniques and with the genetic manipulatation of bacteria
Experience in the purification and biochemical characterization of proteins
Proficiency in using standard biological and structural biology software, databases, and online resources
Advantageous: prior experience in ChIP-seq analysis, fluorescence microscopy, and/or bioinformatics
Excellent communication skills in English & ability to work both independently and collaboratively within an international, interdisciplinary research environment

Disposition to own scientific qualification is expected.

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)
Possibility of home office
Company extra pension scheme (VBL)

We actively support the professional development of junior researchers by the offers of Marburg Research Academy (MARA) and the International Office.

Contact for more Information

Prof. Dr. Martin Thanbichler

+49 6421-28 21809

thanbichler@uni-marburg.de

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. A reduction of working time is possible. Applicants with a disability as discribed in the Social Security Code (Section 2(2) and (3) of Book IX of the Social Security Code (SGB IX)) will be preferred in case of equal qualifications. Application and interview costs can not be refunded.

Please apply by 1. November 2026 using the application-button.

PhD position in Bacterial Cell Biology (doctoral research assistant)

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