Doctoral and Postdoctoral Researcher Positions in the Cluster of Excellence - Microbes for Climate - Philipps-Universität Marburg

registration number:
ZE-0059-synmikro-wmz-2026

The University of Marburg, founded in 1527, offers a variety of excellent programs of study for around 22,000 students and confronts the important topics of our time through excellent research across a broad spectrum of sciences.

The Cluster of Excellence -Microbes for Climate (M4C)- deciphers the fundamental molecular mechanisms of microbial contributions to the carbon cycle and uses synthetic biology to develop more efficient ways to sustainably convert CO2. This knowledge will be generated in a scale-bridging approach (from the atomic structure of enzymes to the systems level of the cell) through highly interdisciplinary and integrative studies. Within M4C, Marburg University, the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology in Marburg, the University of Münster and the University of Giessen join forces. Together, we invite applications for a position as

Doctoral and Postdoctoral Researcher Positions in the Cluster of Excellence -Microbes for Climate-

The following qualification positions are to be filled:

• 7 doctoral positions, each initially limited to 3 years, part-time 65%
• 2 postdoctoral positions, each initially limited to 2 years, full-time

Doctoral positions may be extended by up to 1 year, and postdoctoral positions by up to 2 years.

Remuneration and pension scheme is according to the currently applicable collective agreements of the host institution (TV-H, TV-L, TVöD-Bund or comparable). For detailed information on the projects and the respective host institution as well as relevant documents to be submitted together with your application, see: Career in M4C

The projects starting from January 2027 are embedded in three research foci:

Research Focus 1

Microbes as Drivers of Climate Change: Evolution of the Biological Carbon Cycle - Combining molecular evolutionary and biochemical approaches, we will generate an integrative, comprehensive understanding of how microbes evolved the ability to capture CO2 billions of years ago, initiating and shaping the development of the biological carbon cycle.

Research Focus 2

Microbes as Responders to Climate Change - We elucidate the integration of CO2-converting molecular machines into the cellular context in space and time, how stress factors influence these processes, and how the cellular network enables their robust functioning.

Research Focus 3

Microbes providing Solutions to Climate Change: Developing a future Carbon Cycle with Synthetic Microbiology - To overcome the limitations of naturally evolved CO2/CH4-converting processes, we will leverage the methods of synthetic biology and break new ground: We will develop and test “new-to-nature- solutions that open radically novel, more efficient biological paths for CO2/CH4-conversions that nature has not explored so far.

Within the scope of the assigned tasks, the opportunity for independent scientific work is offered, which serves one's own scientific qualification. The limitation is in accordance with § 2, 1 WissZeitVG.

Profile:

• completed academic university degree (Diploma, Master's or equivalent) in microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, chemistry, bioinformatics, computational biology or a related field
• a doctoral degree in a field of relevance for a postdoctoral position
• relevant experience and skills related to the project you are applying for and motivation to learn and develop further skills
• curiosity, high self-motivation, enthusiasm to develop your research project
• work independently and as part of an international team, have excellent English communication skills and are eager to contribute to M4C

Disposition to own scientific qualification is expected.

We offer:

• the opportunity to take on a varied and responsible role and become part of a renowned and future oriented institution
• a motivated team that values a good work-life balance, further development and consolidation of your individual professional and personal skills seminars, workshops and e-learning opportunities for personal development
• a structured Early Career Researcher (ECR) program supporting academic and professional development
• a wide range of health programmes and a comprehensive programme to promote the compatibility of family and career
• flexible working hours and opportunities for mobile working, in line with institutional policies
• annual bonus payment and remuneration according to the currently applicable collective agreements of the respective host institution

Learn more about our vibrant community, cross-system research approach, cutting-edge research facilities, comprehensive career support, and current job openings on our M4C Homepage. Join us in learning from microbes to overcome the limitations of natural C02 conversions and providing perspectives on new solutions to climate change.

Selected applicants will be invited for an interview between mid-September to October 2026.

The positions will be funded through the Excellence Strategy of the German federal and state governments. All partners within M4C strongly support equal opportunity and diversity and are committed to family-friendly working conditions. Therefore, we welcome all applicants regardless of sex, nationality, ethnic or social background, religion or worldview, disability, age, sexual orientation or gender identity. All partners within M4C are committed to promoting women and therefore expressly encourage them to apply. In areas where women are underrepresented, women with equal qualifications are given preferential consideration.
Applicants with a disability within the meaning of SGB IX (§ 2, Para. 2, 3) will be given preference if equally qualified. Application and interview costs will not be reimbursed.

Please apply by 20.08.2026 exclusively via the application button below, including all relevant documents as one PDF. Please be aware, that in the motivation letter you have to indicate the project number(s) you are applying for (please select minimum one to maximum of three projects: https://www.uni-marburg.de/en/fb17/m4c/career/job-postings). Please note that all cluster partners will be involved in the selection process and that your documents will be made available in compliance with data protection regulations to these in this context.