PhD Position in Mitochondrial RNA Biology and 7S-RNA Function, University of Marburg, Germany

Summary

The Department of Pharmacy (Mitochondrial Gene Expression research group led by Dr. Benedict Tan) at the University of Marburg is seeking a doctoral candidate (Wissenschaftliche*r Mitarbeiter*in) for a 3-year, 65% part-time position funded by CRC/Transregio 440 "smART – specific mRNA targeting". The candidate will work in an interdisciplinary environment focusing on elucidating the biological function of 7S-RNA, a non-coding transcript encoded by mitochondrial DNA. Responsibilities include biochemical analyses, high-throughput screening, and the purification of recombinant proteins. Applicants must hold a Master's degree or equivalent in biochemistry, biology, or a related field and have practical experience in biochemistry or molecular biology.

Key Facts

Employer	University of Marburg
Department	Fachbereich Pharmazie, Forschungsgruppe „Mitochondriale Genexpression“
Position Type	PhD
Discipline	Biochemistry / Biology
Research Area	RNA Biochemistry / Mitochondrial RNA Biology
Degree Required	Master's degree or equivalent
Experience	Practical experience in biochemistry and/or molecular biology. Experience in nucleic acid biochemistry, mitochondrial RNA biology, and transcription is advantageous.
Salary	E 13 TV-H (65%)
Funding	CRC/Transregio 440 „smART – specific mRNA targeting“
Contract Duration	3 years
Language	Very good English skills; German knowledge is advantageous.
Deadline	2026-11-21
Required Documents	Cover letter (in English, 1 page, max. 500 words), Curriculum vitae (in English, max. 2 pages), Email addresses of at least 2 references, Academic certificates (Bachelor's and Master's; in English or German)
Employer Contact	Dr. Benedict Tan, +49 6421 28-25876, [email protected]
Employer Address	Biegenstraße 10, 35037, Hesse

About the Project

Funded through CRC/Transregio 440 "smART – specific mRNA targeting", this project aims to develop novel RNA-based technologies to control the function of disease-relevant eukaryotic mRNAs. Specifically, the project seeks to clarify the biological function of 7S-RNA, a non-coding mitochondrial DNA-encoded transcript. Researchers will employ biochemical methods using purified recombinant proteins and RNA, alongside developing small-molecule ligands and high-throughput screening platforms (such as SHAPE-MaP) to modulate 7S-RNA function in living cells.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct scientific services in research and teaching, focusing on investigations into RNA-ligand interactions
• Identify and characterize novel 7S-RNA binding proteins
• Develop small-molecule libraries and high-throughput screening platforms to characterize 7S-RNA-binding ligands using structural probing techniques (e.g., SHAPE-MaP)
• Express and purify recombinant mitochondrial proteins
• Prepare mitochondrial extracts
• Synthesize and purify DNA and RNA molecules for biochemical experiments

Required Skills

• Completed university degree (Diploma, Master's, or equivalent) in biochemistry, biology, or a related life science subject
• Practical experience in biochemistry and/or molecular biology
• Critical thinking and enthusiasm for scientific research and experimental work
• Very good English skills

Who Should Apply

Highly motivated candidates holding a Master's degree (or equivalent) in biochemistry, biology, or related life science fields who have practical experience in biochemistry and/or molecular biology. Applicants should be interested in pursuing a doctoral degree in RNA biochemistry, possess strong English skills, and enjoy working collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team.

Benefits

• Remuneration according to pay group E 13 TV-H (65% part-time)
• Membership in the integrated graduate school of TRR 440 with workshops and seminars on RNA research, bioinformatics, career development, and science communication
• Support for professional development via IRTG in TRR 440, Marburg Research Academy (MARA), the International Office, and the Office for Higher Education Didactics
• Free state ticket ("Landesticket") for public transportation in Hesse

About the Employer

Founded in 1527, Philipps-Universität Marburg offers award-winning teaching to around 22,000 students and conducts excellent research across a broad academic spectrum.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline for this position?

The application deadline is November 21, 2026.

What qualification is required to apply?

Applicants must hold a completed university degree (Master's, Diploma, or equivalent) in biochemistry, biology, or a related life/natural science discipline.

What is the employment type and duration?

The position is a part-time role (65% of regular working hours) fixed for a duration of 3 years.

What documents are needed to apply?

You must submit a 1-page English cover letter (max 500 words), a 2-page English CV, email addresses of at least 2 references, and academic certificates (Bachelor's and Master's in English or German).