The University of Marburg, one of Germany’s oldest and most prestigious research universities, is inviting applications for a fully funded Doctoral Researcher (PhD) position within the Research Training Group “Nucleotide Metabolism in Microbes (MiNu, GRK 2937)”, funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG).

This is an outstanding opportunity for highly motivated graduates interested in biochemistry, microbiology, RNA biology, archaeal genetics, enzymology, and molecular biology to pursue doctoral research in an internationally recognized research environment.

Position Overview

About the University of Marburg

Founded in 1527, the University of Marburg is among Germany’s oldest universities and hosts more than 22,000 students. The university has an excellent international reputation in biomedical sciences, microbiology, chemistry, medicine, and life sciences.

Its modern research facilities, collaborative environment, and strong international partnerships make it an ideal destination for doctoral research.

About the Research Training Group (MiNu)

The Research Training Group “Nucleotide Metabolism in Microbes (GRK 2937)” investigates how microorganisms synthesize, modify, and utilize nucleotides—the essential building blocks of DNA, RNA, and numerous cellular cofactors.

Researchers combine expertise in:

• Microbiology
• Biochemistry
• Structural Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• RNA Biology
• Metabolomics

The consortium is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and provides interdisciplinary doctoral training with opportunities for collaboration across multiple laboratories.

Research Project

The successful PhD candidate will join the project:

“Functional Characterization of NUDIX Hydrolases and Their Capped RNA Substrates in Hyperthermophilic Archaea”

Principal Investigator

Prof. Dr. Lennart Randau

The project aims to understand how thermostable enzymes regulate RNA metabolism in archaeal microorganisms by combining molecular biology, protein biochemistry, structural biology, genetics, and metabolomics.

This research has implications for understanding microbial evolution, RNA regulation, and nucleotide metabolism.

Research Responsibilities

The selected doctoral researcher will:

• Design and conduct an independent PhD research project.
• Express and characterize recombinant proteins.
• Perform biochemical enzyme assays.
• Investigate catalytic mechanisms of NUDIX hydrolases.
• Study nucleotide-binding protein complexes.
• Conduct genetic engineering in E. coli and Sulfolobus acidocaldarius.
• Characterize archaeal metabolomes.
• Collaborate with international research groups.
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals.
• Present research at international conferences.
• Assist in laboratory teaching and student seminars.

Candidate Profile

Applicants should possess:

Required Qualifications

• MSc (or equivalent) in:
  
  • Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Chemistry
• Strong background in:
  
  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Microbiology

Preferred Skills

• Archaeal cultivation
• Archaeal genetics
• Cloning techniques
• Protein purification
• Enzyme activity assays
• RNA biology
• Microbial genetics
• Recombinant protein expression

Personal qualities include:

• Scientific curiosity
• Strong analytical thinking
• Independence
• Teamwork
• Excellent communication skills
• Passion for research

Funding and Benefits

The successful candidate will receive:

•  Fully funded PhD position
•  Salary according to TV-H E13
•  Three-year employment contract
•  Comprehensive doctoral training
•  Modern research infrastructure
•  International research collaborations
•  Free public transportation throughout Hesse
•  Company pension scheme (VBL)
•  Professional development through MARA
•  Graduate training opportunities
•  International Office support
•  Higher Education Didactics training

Why Apply?

This PhD offers the opportunity to:

• Work on frontier research in RNA biology and microbial metabolism.
• Join a DFG-funded interdisciplinary doctoral programme.
• Publish internationally.
• Build collaborations with leading European scientists.
• Receive structured doctoral training.
• Develop expertise in molecular microbiology, enzymology, and structural biology.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit their application through the official University of Marburg online application portal before:

9 August 2026

Applications submitted after the deadline may not be considered.

Contact Information

Prof. Dr. Lennart Randau

University of Marburg

Email:
[email protected]

Phone:
+49 6421 28 23320