Job advertisement

Vacancy ID: 030/2026
Closing date: 2026-03-10

The Friedrich Schiller University Jena is a dynamic and innovation-driven university centrally located in Germany. With a broad range of disciplines, it shapes the future through excellent research and teaching. Its scientific excellence is reflected in the profile areas Light – Life – Liberty, which provide pioneering insights and sustainable solutions for the society of tomorrow. Through close collaborations with leading research institutions, innovative companies, and renowned cultural organizations, it advances interdisciplinary developments. With around 17,000 students and approximately 10,000 employees, it defines Jena as a vibrant, internationally connected city of science and innovation.

The Junior Group Chemical Biology of the Research Profile LIFE at the Institute for Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC) seeks to fill the position of a

Scientific Researcher Chemical Biology/Biochemistry

commencing on April 15, 2026 or at the earliest opportunity.

We offer a part-time position (65%, 26 hours per week) that is initially limited until 14.06.2028.

The Junior Group Chemical Biology (supervised by Dr. Markus Lakemeyer) works to elucidate the molecular mechanisms driving microbial interactions. We develop and apply chemical biology methods – including chemical probe synthesis, protein biochemistry and chemical proteomics – to understand the impact of bacterial enzymes on multipartite interactions.

This researcher will contribute to a highly interdisciplinary project that explores microbial enzymes as promising antimicrobial drug targets. The successful candidate will dissect enzyme function through biochemical characterization, conduct inhibitor screenings, and develop selective chemical probes and inhibitors.

Your responsibilities:

• Develop and conduct experimental research in chemical biology, with a focus on protein biochemistry, microbiology, and chemical probe development
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at scientific conferences

Your profile:

• An M.Sc. degree in chemistry, chemical biology, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences or a related field
• Solid experience in protein biochemistry, including expression, purification and biochemical characterization of recombinant enzymes
• Initial experience in protein mass spectrometry or the application chemical probes
• Prior experience in the cultivation and handling of microbial pathogens would be highly desirable
• A highly self-motivated, creative, and proactive approach to experimental work
• Enthusiasm for expanding your expertise into new and project-relevant areas
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English

We offer:

• A dynamic and highly interdisciplinary research environment at the interface of organic chemistry, biochemistry, and microbiology
• Excellent equipment and infrastructure, including newly established laboratories with hands-on access to three mass spectrometers
• A graduate academy for doctoral students and close integration into Jena’s Cluster of Excellence “Balance of the Microverse”
• University health promotion and a wide range of university sports activities
• Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L) at salary scale E13 — depending on the candidate’s personal qualifications—, including a special annual payment in accordance with the collective agreement

The advertised position is (initially) limited until 14.06.2028. This is a part-time position (26 hours per week).

In case you need any additional information or have any questions regarding the position, please visit

Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability.

Are you eager to work for us? Then apply by 10.03.2026 using our online form.

For further information for applicants and the information on the collection of personal data, please refer to