2 PhD positions | Biotechnology | Molecular Biology | Bioengineering | Industrial Biotechnology | Synthetic Biology | Systems Metabolic Engineering | Healthcare | Living Therapeutic Materials (m/f/d)

This is your area of work:

The Institute of Systems Biotechnology (Director: Prof. Dr. Christoph Wittmann) stands for excellent research at the interface of biotechnology, systems biology, and sustainable resource utilization. We conduct research in the field of sustainable bioeconomy, focusing on the development of innovative microbial production systems based on renewable raw materials. Our goal is to establish new bio-based value chains through systems biology, metabolic engineering, and fermentation technology, contributing to the transformation towards a circular bioeconomy.

In the field of health biotechnology, we develop microbial biofactories that serve as platforms for the production of biopharmaceuticals, therapeutics, or novel agents for personalized medicine.

In both of these research areas, we are each seeking a dedicated PhD student (f/m/d) for the development of innovative microbial cell factories.

Your responsibilities:

• Cultivation experiments at laboratory scale (batch, fed-batch, chemostat cultures)
• Application of modern analytical methods (e.g., HPLC, GC-MS, LC-MS, isotope analysis) for metabolic characterization
• Molecular biology and genetic engineering
• Documentation, presentation, and publication of research results in English
• Support in supervising students and teaching activities

Your profile:

• Excellent university degree (Master’s or Diploma) in biotechnology, bioprocess engineering, bioengineering, systems biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines
• Knowledge in microbiology, systems biotechnology, or fermentation technology
• Interest in sustainable industrial biotechnology and the bioeconomy
• Ideally, experience with molecular biology techniques and common software tools
• Independent and structured working style with excellent team skills
• High self-motivation and passion for science
• Very good communication skills in both German and English

We offer:

• An excellent research environment within an interdisciplinary team with strong international networking
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and infrastructure
• Opportunity to participate in graduate programs and scientific conferences
• Flexible working hours for better work-life balance
• Company health management and discounted job ticket
• Extensive training opportunities and attractive social benefits

Application:

The next step is yours. Saarland University is striving to increase the proportion of women in this field in accordance with its equality plan and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply. Applications from severely disabled persons will be given preference in cases of equal qualification.

As part of your application for a position at Saarland University (UdS), you will be submitting personal data. Please refer to our data protection information in accordance with Article 13 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) regarding the collection and processing of personal data. By submitting your application, you confirm that you have read and understood the data protection information of UdS.

We look forward to your online application, including a cover letter, CV, transcript of records, and contact information for two references. Please refer to reference number W2661 in your application. Please send your complete application as a single PDF file by June 30, 2025, to: [email protected]