Postdoc Position in Metabolic Engineering of Sulfolobus acidocaldarius, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany

Summary

The University of Duisburg‑Essen invites applications for a Post‑Doc position in the Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Molecular Enzyme Technology and Biochemistry. The project RobustSaciCELL aims to develop the thermoacidophilic archaeon Sulfolobus acidocaldarius into a microbial cell factory for sustainable lignocellulose conversion, focusing on robust production strains and high‑value bioproducts. The role involves strain construction, enzyme and pathway characterization, multi‑omics analyses, and collaboration with international partners. The appointment is funded under TV‑L 13 (gross €59,324‑€84,319) until 31 Oct 2029, with a 100 % workload, flexible hours, and opportunities for further scientific qualification. Applicants must hold a PhD, possess strong English skills, and have expertise in metabolic engineering, extremophiles, and related methods.

Key Facts

Employer	University of Duisburg-Essen
Department	Fakultät für Chemie, Fachgebiet für Molekulare Enzymtechnologie und Biochemie
Position Type	Post-Doc
Discipline	Biochemistry
Research Area	Metabolic engineering of the thermoacidophilic archaeon Sulfolobus acidocaldarius for lignocellulose bioprocessing
Degree Required	PhD (Promotion)
Salary	TV-L 13 (gross €59,324 – €84,319)
Funding	Salary according to TV-L 13
Contract Duration	until 31 Oct 2029
Language	English
Deadline	2026-11-04
Required Documents	Cover letter, Curriculum vitae, Supporting documents
Employer Address	North Rhine-Westphalia
Employer Contact	Telefon 0201/183-6602, E-Mail [email protected]

About the Project

The RobustSaciCELL project (Bioeconomy International 2026, BMFTR) develops the thermoacidophilic archaeon Sulfolobus acidocaldarius into a microbial cell factory for the sustainable utilization of lignocellulosic residues. By applying metabolic engineering, the team creates robust production strains that generate high‑value products such as extremozymes, carotenoids and archaeal membrane lipids, while enabling efficient lignocellulose degradation and inhibitor detoxification.

Key Responsibilities

• Construct and optimise Sulfolobus acidocaldarius strains using metabolic‑engineering methods
• Characterise recombinant enzymes and metabolic pathways for lignocellulose degradation and product biosynthesis
• Cultivate wild‑type and mutant strains under thermoacidophilic conditions and analyse phenotypes
• Perform multi‑omics analyses (transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics) and interpret data with partners
• Present results at national and international conferences and publish in scientific journals
• Collaborate with international partners from South Africa and Austria
• Participate in teaching activities and administrative tasks
• Take advantage of opportunities for scientific further qualification

Required Skills

• Strong background in metabolic engineering, extremophiles and enzyme biochemistry
• Practical experience with molecular‑biological, microbiological and/or biochemical methods
• Knowledge of protein biochemistry, enzyme characterisation and multi‑omics (advantageous)
• Very good written and spoken English
• Effective communication and presentation abilities
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an international interdisciplinary team

Who Should Apply

Candidates with a PhD in biochemistry, microbiology, biotechnology, molecular biology or a comparable field, who have solid knowledge of metabolic engineering, extremophiles and enzyme biochemistry, and who are experienced in molecular‑biological, microbiological or biochemical techniques. Strong English communication skills, ability to work in an international interdisciplinary team, and motivation to develop the research area independently are required.

Benefits

• Interdisciplinary research environment at the interface of metabolic engineering, systems biology and extremophile biotechnology
• Access to modern molecular biology, biochemistry, multi‑omics and metabolic‑modelling facilities
• Extensive training and continuing‑education programmes
• Cafeteria and Mensa services on campus
• Corporate‑benefits discounts
• Family‑friendly university culture with childcare support and care‑giving advice
• Excellent public‑transport connections and free parking
• Flexible working hours, possibility of home office
• 30 days of vacation plus additional days on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve
• Fair remuneration according to TV‑L, including annual special payment
• Comprehensive sports and health offers

About the Employer

The University of Duisburg‑Essen’s Faculty of Chemistry, with its Department of Molecular Enzyme Technology and Biochemistry, belongs to the larger Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology area. It is one of the largest chemistry faculties in the German‑speaking region, comprising 27 professorships and over 240 scientific staff.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary range for this position?

The position is paid according to TV‑L 13, gross €59,324 – €84,319.

When is the application deadline?

2026‑11‑04.

What language proficiency is required?

Very good written and spoken English is required.