Creating knowledge. Making a difference. Shaping the future. This is what the University of Münster stands for as one of the strongest research-oriented universities in Germany and one of the largest employers in the region. Every day, over 7,000 employees devote themselves to cutting-edge research and excellent teaching. We share more than a workplace. We share the desire to make a real impact – regionally and internationally. Our day-to-day work is distinguished by diversity, openness and space to pursue one’s ideas. Become a part of our team – in academia, a technical or manual trade, or administration.
The group of Prof. Seraphine Wegner at the Center for Soft Nanoscience (SoN), University of Münster, Germany, is seeking to fill the position of a

Postdoctoral Research Associate (Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiterin, salary level E 13 TV-L)

commencing on 01 January 2027. We are offering a fixed-term full-time position for 3 years. Full-time employees are required to teach 4 hours per week during the semester.

Your tasks:

• Collaboration within an interdisciplinary research team on the Momentum project “Self-degrading microplastics”, funded by the Volkswagen Foundation
• Develop innovative strategies for integrating enzyme-embedded nanocompartments into polymer matrices
• Characterize and optimize enzymatic activity for the degradation of macro- and microplastics
• Explore translational and commercialization opportunities in close exchange with the university’s innovation office
• Communicate research findings to both scientific and non-scientific audiences through publications, presentations and outreach activities
• Contribute to teaching and mentoring activitie

Our expectations:

• PhD in biochemistry, biotechnology, enzyme engineering or related field is expected
• Strong experience in enzyme production and activity characterization is required
• Hands-on experience with biochemical assays for the production and characterization enzymes are essential (e.g., UV-Vis/fluorescence spectroscopy, HPLC, gel electrophoresis) is needed
• Interest in interdisciplinary research at the interface of polymer chemistry, biotechnology, and synthetic biology is expected
• Knowledge of polymer-degrading enzymes and micro-/nanoplastics is of advantage
• Interest in translational research and technology transfer is a plus
• Excellent English skills; German proficiency is required
• Proven research productivity demonstrated by publications, conference participation and activity in the scientific management is expected
• Willingness to contribute to teaching is required

Advantages for you:

• Appreciation, commitment, openness and respect – values which are important to us.
• 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. 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.

Are you interested? Then we look forward to receiving your application by 2026-09-11 electronically in PDF format at .

Please note that we cannot consider other file formats.

Reference number: 2026_08_01