41,200 students and 7,750 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.

The research group led by Prof Julia Kurth within the Institute for Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology in the Faculty of Biology at the University of Münster is seeking to fill the position of a

Doctoral Research Associate (Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiterin, salary level E 13 TV-L, 65%)

**for the ERC Starting Grant project ‘Archaebolic’ at the earliest possible date. We are offering a fixed-term part-time position (65%) for 3 years. Full-time employees are required to teach 4 hours per week during the semester.

This project aims to discover archaeal methane production from previously overlooked methylated compounds.

Prof Kurth’s research group investigates the metabolism of anaerobic microorganisms, mainly archaea, and combines molecular biology, protein biochemistry, anaerobic cultivation and omics techniques. The PhD position offered is funded by the ERC Starting Grant project ‘Archaebolic’ and aims to understanding novel - natural and engineered – archaeal metabolic pathways involved in the conversion of previously overlooked methylated compounds. In this study, the physiology of already existing methylotrophic archaea will be studied, as well as that of metabolically engineered strains that will be generated within this project. These physiological studies will enable us to better understand archaeal metabolic pathways, including their diversity, and the impact of distinct methanogenic substrates on methane and CO2 production and conversion.

The successful candidate will become part of the Microbial Physiology Group led by Prof Kurth and based at the University of Münster. You will be offered a wide range of opportunities for creative and innovative work applying state-of-the art methodologies in a variety of scientific disciplines.**

Your tasks:

• This position is tied to working towards a doctorate.
• Characterization of novel archaeal metabolic pathways
• Growth (optimization) of various anaerobic archaea
• Analyzing growth, product formation, substrate conversion (Metabolite analysis) using LC and GC systems
• Conducting qRT-PCR and/or transcriptomics/proteomics
• Genetic engineering of methanogenic archaea
• Characterization of (novel) methyltransferase systems
• (Heterologous) production of the relevant proteins
• Enzyme activity assays
• Documentation and presentation of results at scientific conferences
• Publication of results in scientific journals

Our expectations:

• A completed scientific university degree (German Diplom, master's degree or comparable) in microbiology, biology or biotechnology or comparable is required.
• Experience with microbiological methods, molecular biology and protein biochemistry is expected.
• Experience in genetic engineering is an advantage.
• Experience in cultivating anaerobic microbes and unraveling their physiology is an advantage.
• Enthusiasm, good communication and teamwork skills, willingness to learn and desire to develop into an independent scientist is essential.
• A good command of English is required
• An independent, structured approach to research work is expected.

Advantages for you:

• 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.

If you are interested in the position, please send your application (cover letter, CV, certificates) in electronic form (in one PDF file) by 2026-03-13 to the following email address: .

Universität Münster
Institut für Molekulare Mikrobiologie und Biotechnologie
Prof. Dr. Julia Kurth
Corrensstraße 3, 48149 Münster

Reference number: 2026_02_36