Doctoral Research Associate in the group "Mechanisms of Molecular Machines"

43,000 students and 8,000 employees in teaching, research and administration, all working together to shape perspectives for the future – that is the University of Münster. Embedded in the vibrant atmosphere of Münster with its high standard of living, the University’s diverse research profile and attractive study programmes draw students and researchers throughout Germany and from around the world.

In the group "Mechanisms of Molecular Machines" at the Institute for Physical Chemistry (Fachbereich 12) of the University of Münster, we are seeking a

Doctoral Research Associate
(Wissenschaftliche*r Mitarbeiter*in)
(salary level TV-L E 13)

within the project "Correlation of the conformational dynamics of eIF4A with the dependence of translation efficiencies of mRNAs on eIF4A, 4B, and 4G in Saccharomyces cerevisiae". We offer a fixed-term position (65 %) from 01.01.2025 – 31.12.2027.

Your tasks
This DFG-funded project aims at a molecular understanding of the role of the conformational dynamics of the translation initiation factor eIF4A for the efficiency of mRNA translation and gene expression within the functional network of translation initiation and protein biosynthesis. Work in this project comprises

• The recombinant production of translation factors in E. coli
• Activity assays
• The preparation of RNA by in vitro transcription
• The determination of translation efficiencies in in vitro reporter assays
• The planning, execution and analysis of single-molecule FRET experiments
• The presentation of results in internal seminars and at conferences

Our requirements
Required

• A university degree (M.Sc.) in biochemistry, chemistry, biology, or a related subject
• Knowledge and experience in molecular biology techniques such as cloning and mutagenesis
• Knowledge and experience in the recombinant production of proteins and their purification by chromatographic techniques
• A strong command of English, both written and spoken
• The capability to work independently and as part of a team
• A genuine interest in research

Desirable

• First experience in the field of single-molecule microscopy
• Experience with RNA preparation by in vitro transcription

Your benefits

• Thorough training in modern biochemical and biophysical techniques
• Mentoring tailored to your individual needs and goals
• Possibility to participate in national and international conferences
• Integration into a dynamic, international and interdisciplinary team
• Appreciation, commitment, openness and respect – values which are important to us.
• Our broad range of diverse work-time models offers great flexibility – also when working from home.
• If you have family members or young children in your care, our Family Service Office offers concrete support to help you balance your private and professional responsibilities.
• As an educational institution, we are deeply committed to offering occupational training and continuing education opportunities tailored to your individual needs.
• From A – Z, Aikido to Zumba, our sport and health programmes ensure a healthy work‑life balance.
• As a university employee, you are entitled to numerous benefits afforded to public servants, e.g. an attractive company pension scheme (VBL), an annual end‑of‑year bonus and a position that is shielded from economic fluctuations.

The University of Münster strongly supports equal opportunity and diversity. We welcome all applicants regardless of sex, nationality, ethnic or social background, religion or worldview, disability, age, sexual orientation or gender identity. We are committed to creating family‑friendly working conditions. Part‑time options are generally available.

We actively encourage applications by women. Women with equivalent qualifications and academic achievements will be preferentially considered unless these are outweighed by reasons which necessitate the selection of another candidate.

Further information at https://www.uni-muenster.de/​Chemie.pc/​en/​forschung/​klostermeier/​index.html
For questions, please do not hesitate to contact Prof. Dr. Dagmar Klostermeier (dagmar.klostermeier@uni-muenster.de).

Please send your application consisting of a motivation letter, curriculum vitae, copy of university degree, and two references as a single pdf‑file to

Universität Münster
Institut für Physikalische Chemie
Prof. Dr. Dagmar Klostermeier

dagmar.klostermeier@uni-muenster.de

before 10.10.2024. Other file formats cannot be accepted.

University of Münster
Institut für Physikalische Chemie
Prof. Dr. Dagmar Klostermeier

dagmar.klostermeier@uni-muenster.de

before 10.10.2024. Other file formats cannot be accepted.