Postdoc Position in Optical Biosensors for GPCR Dynamics, University of Marburg, Germany

Summary

The University of Marburg offers a three‑year, third‑party funded postdoctoral position in the Biology department’s Developmental Genetics and Cell Biology of Animals group. The role focuses on developing and cloning optical biosensors to study GPCR conformational dynamics, validating them in living cells, and using them to characterize ligand and mechanical signal responses. Responsibilities include performing high‑throughput pharmacological assays, analyzing large data sets, and structural modeling of GPCR‑ligand interactions. Candidates must hold a PhD (or be near completion) and have extensive molecular biology and assay experience, with very good English skills. The position provides a salary under the Hessian TV‑H E13 scale, a free public‑transport ticket, and career‑development measures such as training, coaching, and mentoring.

Key Facts

Employer	University of Marburg
Department	Fachbereich Biologie, Arbeitsgruppe Entwicklungsgenetik und Zellbiologie der Tiere
Position Type	Postdoctoral researcher
Discipline	Life Sciences
Research Area	Optical biosensors for GPCR dynamics
Degree Required	PhD (or near completion)
Experience	Extensive experience with molecular biology techniques and pharmacological assays in living cells
Salary	Salary according to Hessian collective agreement, Entgeltgruppe E13
Funding	Third‑party funded
Contract Duration	3 years
Language	English
Deadline	2026-11-22
Employer Contact	Lilli Backhaus, +49 6421-28 26510, [email protected]
Employer Address	Biegenstraße 10, 35037, Hesse

About the Project

The project aims to create and validate optical biosensors that report the conformational dynamics of G‑protein‑coupled receptors (GPCRs). The researcher will clone sensor constructs, test them in living cells, use them to monitor GPCR responses to ligands and mechanical cues, conduct large‑scale pharmacological assays, analyze and visualize the resulting data, and perform structural modeling of GPCR‑ligand interactions.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and clone optical biosensors for GPCR conformational dynamics
• Validate optical biosensors in living cells
• Use biosensors to characterize GPCR responses to ligands and mechanical signals
• Develop and conduct pharmacological and cell‑biological assays in microtiter plates (≥96 wells)
• Analyze and visualize extensive pharmacological data sets
• Model GPCR‑ligand interaction structures

Required Skills

• Completed university degree (Diplom, Master or equivalent) and a PhD (or near completion) in life sciences
• Extensive experience with molecular‑biology techniques for cloning fusion proteins
• Extensive experience with pharmacological assays in living cells using ≥96‑well plates
• Previous work on GPCR, G‑protein, GRK or Arrestin research
• (Desired) Experience developing and validating new biosensors for living cells
• Very good English language skills
• Willingness to pursue further scientific qualification

Who Should Apply

Postdoctoral researchers who have completed a PhD (or are close to finishing) in the life sciences, possess strong molecular‑biology and high‑throughput pharmacology experience, have worked on GPCR‑related projects, and demonstrate very good English proficiency.

Benefits

• Salary according to Hessian collective agreement (Entgeltgruppe E13)
• Free public‑transport ticket for the state of Hesse
• Training measures for career promotion of early‑career scientists, including postdocs
• Cooperative, innovative, and supportive research environment
• Opportunities for professional development, including training, coaching, and mentoring

About the Employer

Founded in 1527, Philipps‑Universität Marburg provides highly regarded teaching for around 22,000 students and conducts excellent research across a broad range of scientific fields, addressing important contemporary challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the position start?

As soon as possible.

What is the contract length?

Three years.

Is the position funded?

Yes, it is third‑party funded.