Faculty of Life Sciences - Institute of Biology
Research fellow (m/f/d) in the field of Molecular Microbiology, with 50 % part-time employment – E 13 TV-L HU (third-party funding limited until [contact details available in the full listing]; increase in working hours by a further 50 % for replacement expected until [contact details available in the full listing]; extension and part-time employment may be possible)
Founded in 1810, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin is one of Germany's leading universities. As a comprehensive university with over 36,000 students, it combines research excellence with innovative support for young talents. Its international networks, interdisciplinary research collaborations, and progressive teaching concepts shape Berlin as a center of science. Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin holds the status of a university of excellence.
The Molecular Microbiology group at the Institute of Biology studies the assembly, function, and regulation of bacterial nanomachines, in particular the flagellum and the type III secretion systems (T3SS) of Salmonella enterica. The position is third-party funded at 50% through the DFG-funded project “The function of the flagellar type-III secretion system ATPase complex during the assembly of the flagellum”. In addition, an increase in working hours by a further 50% for replacement duties in teaching and research is expected to be possible until 12 November 2026.
The DFG project addresses the function of the soluble ATPase complex of the flagellar T3SS. The ATPase complex is not essential for flagellar protein export, but its presence ensures a robust and efficient assembly process. The project combines bacterial genetics, biochemical approaches, and super-resolution microscopy.
Your responsibilities:
- scientific services in research and teaching
- teaching in microbiology within QMB (practical courses, seminars, tutorials) amounting to 2 contact hours per week (SWS) in accordance with the LVVO
- supervision of Bachelor’s and Master’s theses within the research projects of the group and participation in examinations in QMB
- research within the DFG project on the function of the flagellar T3SS ATPase complex: construction and analysis of Salmonella mutants, secretion and motility assays, protein biochemical characterization
- application of super-resolution fluorescence microscopy and quantitative image analysis to study localization and dynamics of the export machinery
- analysis, documentation, and presentation of results; writing of scientific publications
- contribution to organizational tasks of the group (e.g. laboratory and instrument organization)
Your qualifications:
- completed academic university degree and doctoral degree (PhD) in microbiology, biochemistry, biology, or a related field
- sound knowledge of bacterial genetics and molecular biology
- experience with protein biochemical methods
- experience with fluorescence microscopy and quantitative image analysis
- teaching experience at university level (practical courses, seminars, or tutorials)
- very good command of written and spoken English (at least C1)
- independent, structured working style as well as team and cooperation skills
What would be desirable:
- experience with bacterial secretion systems, flagellar assembly, or bacterial motility
- experience with super-resolution microscopy (e.g. STED, SIM) or single-molecule tracking
- knowledge of a scripting language or data analysis tools (e.g. Python, R, or similar)
What we offer:
- a modern, internationally oriented research environment with access to super-resolution microscopy and state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure
- a pay scale classification (TV-L)
- varied and responsible tasks in research and teaching
- structured orientation and onboarding
- flexible working hours (flexitime)
- excellent opportunities for further training and qualification
As a family-friendly university, we promote the compatibility of work and family life.
Further information:
Web: www.molmicro.hu-berlin.de
X: @Salmo_Lab
Your path to the HU:
Please send your complete application, referencing the job ID DR/152/26, to Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biology, Molecular Microbiology, Prof. Dr. Marc Erhardt (located: Philippstr. 13, House 22, 10115 Berlin), Unter den Linden 6, 10099 Berlin, or preferably in electronic form as a single PDF file to jobs.molmicro@hu-berlin.de.
Required application documents:
- letter of motivation
- tabular curriculum vitae
- list of publications
- proof of the required qualification (certificates, diplomas)
- work references or evaluations
- contact details of at least 2 referees
If you have further questions about the job posting or the scope of duties, please do not hesitate to contact Prof. Dr. Marc Erhardt (jobs.molmicro@hu-berlin.de).
The position is scheduled to be filled at the earliest possible date.
The Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin is seeking to increase the proportion of women in research and teaching, and specifically encourages qualified female scholars to apply. Severely disabled applicants with equivalent qualifications will be given preferential consideration. People with an immigration history are specifically encouraged to apply. Since we will not return your documents, please submit copies only.
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin is bound by collective agreements and applies the TV-L HU. Information on pay grading and the annual salary scale can be found here: https://hu.berlin/ETRL.
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