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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 (Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiterin, E 13 TV-L)

within the project „Regulation of human eIF4A activity in health and disease: Mechanisms of canonical and aberrant translation initiation“. We offer a fixed-term position (65%) from 01.02.2027 - 31.01.2030. This DFG funded project aims at understanding the role of the conformational dynamics of the translation initiation factor eIF4A in protein biosynthesis. The focus is on deciphering the regulatory mechanisms of other factors and mechanisms of the dysregulation in disease.

Your tasks:

Work in this project comprises

• the recombinant production of translation factors in E. coli and their purification
• activity assays (ATPase and helicase activities, stimulation of these activities by other factors and RNA)
• the preparation of RNA by in vitro transcription
• the determination of translation efficiencies in in vitro reporter assays
• the preparation of FRET constructs (proteins and RNA)
• the planning, execution and analysis of biophysical experiment. The focus will be on single-molecule FRET experiments, both in solution by confocal microscopy and on surface-immobilized molecules by total internal reflection microscopy
• the presentation of results in internal seminars and at conferences
• This position is tied to working towards a doctorate

Our expectations:

Required:

• a university degree (M.Sc.) in biochemistry, chemistry, biology, or a related subject
• knowledge and practical experience in molecular biology techniques, specifically PCR cloning and mutagenesis
• solid knowledge and practical experience in the recombinant production of proteins and their purification by chromatographic techniques
• solid knowledge of and practical experience in biophysical methods
• 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, enjoying learning and experimenting

Desirable:

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

Advantages for you:

• being part of a cutting-edge, highly medicinally relevant project
• thorough training in modern biochemical and biophysical techniques in well-equipped laboratories
• integration into a dynamic, international and interdisciplinary team
• possibility to participate in national and international conferences
• mentoring tailored to your individual needs and goals
• 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 offers concrete support to help you balance your private and professional responsibilities.
• As an educational institution, we are deeply committed to offering opportunities tailored to your individual needs.
• From A – Z, Aikido to Zumba, our 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 (), an and a position that is shielded from economic fluctuations.

The University of Münster strongly supports . 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.

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

For questions, please do not hesitate to contact Prof. Dr. Dagmar Klostermeier ().

Please upload your application consisting of a motivation letter (with a focus on your qualifications for the project), curriculum vitae, copy of university degree, and two references as a single pdf-file. Please use a template with an application form in BITE for this job posting. before 2026-09-30. Other file formats cannot be accepted.

Reference number: 2026_08_06