Scientific Researcher Chemical Biology​/Biochemistry; PhD Student

Institute of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry

Organisation/Company Friedrich Schiller University Jena Department Institute of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry Research Field Chemistry » Biochemistry Chemistry » Organic chemistry Biological sciences » Biology Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Final date to receive applications 10 Mar 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Berlin) Country Germany Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Part-time Hours Per Week 26 Offer Starting Date 15 Apr 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

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.

• 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

• 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

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

• 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