Research Associate / PhD Student / PostDoc (m/f/x)

The Center for Molecular Bioengineering (B CUBE, https://tu-dresden.de/cmcb/bcube), its partner institutions the Biotechnology Center (BIOTEC) and the Center for Regenerative Therapies (CRTD), together with the School of Science, the Carl Gustav Carus Faculty of Medicine, the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG), and the Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden (IPF) provide a collaborative research environment at TU Dresden.

At the Center for Molecular Bioengineering (B CUBE), an institute of the Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), the Chair of Biomimetic Materials (Prof. Dr. Nils Kröger, https://tu-dresden.de/cmcb/bcube/forschungsgruppen/kroeger) offers a position as Research Associate / PhD Student / PostDoc (m/f/x) (subject to personal qualification employees are remunerated according to salary group E 13 TV-L) starting as soon as possible. The position is initially limited to 2 years (PostDoc) or 3 years (PhD student) and comprises 100% of the weekly hours (PostDoc) or 65% (PhD student) with the possibility of extension, governed by the Fixed Term Research Contracts Act (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz – WissZeitVG). The role offers the opportunity to obtain a further academic qualification.

Tasks

The successful applicant will join the research project \“Elucidating the Structure-Function Relationship in Silicanins and their Role in Diatom Silica Morphogenesis\“, funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). This project investigates the biological formation of functional 3D mineral structures (biominerals) and seeks to identify the genes and proteins involved in the morphogenesis of complex-structured biominerals. The Kröger group uses diatoms as a model system to unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying lipid‑bilayer‑mediated biomineralization. The applicant will employ state‑of‑the‑art biochemical, molecular genetic and cell‑biological tools to understand the role of silicanins, a large family of novel transmembrane proteins, in governing silica biomorphogenesis. The project involves close collaboration with the Structural Biology group of Prof. Raz Zarivach at Ben Gurion University, Israel, to determine the 3D structure of silicanins and silicanin‑based supramolecular assemblies.

Requirements

University degree (MSc) and, if applicable, PhD degree in biochemistry, molecular genetics, molecular cell biology or related fields. Strong research experience in protein biochemistry is preferred. Prior experience in genome engineering or mass spectrometry is advantageous but not required. Excellent writing skills with a proven track record of successful research are essential. Excellent communication skills in English are indispensable.

TUD strives to employ more women in academia and research and therefore expressly encourages women to apply. The university is a certified family‑friendly institution and welcomes applications from candidates with disabilities. If multiple candidates prove to be equally qualified, those with disabilities or with equivalent status pursuant to the German Social Code IX (SGB IX) will receive priority.

Application

Please submit your detailed application with the usual documents by December 15, 2025 (stamped arrival date or the time stamp on the email server of TU Dresden applies), preferably via the TU Dresden SecureMail Portal https://securemail.tu-dresden.de by sending it as a single PDF file to sandra.herrmann@tu-dresden.de or to:

TU Dresden, B CUBE, Herr Prof. Dr. Nils Kröger, Tatzberg 41, 01307 Dresden, Germany.

Please submit copies only, as your application will not be returned to you. Expenses incurred in attending interviews cannot be reimbursed.

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Reference to data protection

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