The Bioprocess Engineering research group investigates how enzymes and microorganisms can be used to synthesize valuable molecules, particularly those with pharmaceutical relevance. Biotechnological processes can optimize existing chemical processes from both an ecological and economic perspective, or enable the production of compounds that cannot be obtained using conventional methods. A key focus of the research is on understanding and optimizing complex biocatalytic systems. Enzyme cascades, for example, offer elegant solutions for multistep syntheses, but are often limited by destabilizing interactions between their components. By combining modeling, simulation, and targeted experiments, the research group develops data-driven strategies that improve the overall performance of these cascades.
Another area focuses on cell-free protein synthesis, including its application to particularly challenging proteins, such as membrane proteins. Since their expression in vivo is often limited by toxicity, misfolding, and restricted membrane capacity, the cell-free system offers a flexible alternative. Using suitable hydrophobic environments and integrated activity assays, we investigate how membrane proteins can be synthesized directly in a functional form in a cell-free system.
Beyond the development of individual processes, the research group focuses on how biocatalysis and bioprocess engineering can advance more rapidly and transparently. Standardized, high-quality datasets are crucial for reproducibility, modeling, and machine learning, but remain scarce. Therefore, the research group is committed to making experimental data FAIR to accelerate innovation.
Your Tasks
1. research tasks related to the development of a research data infrastructure in biocatalysis (50 %)
2. teaching responsibilities amounting to 4 course units (25 %)
3. preparation of publications and research grant proposals (15 %)
4. participation in general administrative tasks (10 %)
Employment is conducive to scientific qualification and provides the opportunity for further academic development.
We offer
5. salary according to Remuneration level 13 TV-L
6. fixed-term (3 years) (§ 2 (1) of the WissZeitVG; in accordance with the provisions of the WissZeitVG and the Agreement on Satisfactory Conditions of Employment, the length of contract may differ in individual cases)
7. fulltime
8. internal and external training opportunities
9. variety of health, consulting and prevention services
10. reconcilability of family and work
11. flexible working hours
12. good transport connection
13. collegial working environment
14. open and pleasant working atmosphere
15. exciting, varied tasks
16. modern work environment with digital processes
17. various offers (canteen, cafeteria, restaurants, Uni-Shop, ATM, etc.)
Your Profile We expect
18. completed scientific university degree in biochemistry/chemistry, biotechnology, bioinformatics or a related field
19. completed PhD or near completion of PhD (thesis defense pending) in biochemistry/chemistry, biotechnology, bioinformatics, or a related field with a focus on research data management
20. in-depth knowledge of research data management and the implementation of FAIR principles
21. experience with metadata standards, ontologies, and semantic data models
22. knowledge of biocatalytic reaction systems and experimental biochemical workflows
23. experience in the structured collection, validation, and harmonization of scientific data
24. knowledge of the design and implementation of interfaces and interoperable data formats
25. programming skills in Python
26. excellent written and spoken English
27. ability to work independently, take initiative, and engage in interdisciplinary collaboration
28. cooperative and team-oriented work style
29. strong communication skills
Preferred experience and skills
30. experience in developing and implementing community standards or reporting guidelines
31. experience with AI-based assistance systems (e. g., chatbots)
32. familiarity with open science practices, repositories, and data publication processes
33. experience in academic publishing
34. experience in mentoring students
Application Procedure application deadline: Contact
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Katrin Rosenthal
0521 106-5301
Postal Address
Universität Bielefeld
Technische Fakultät I AG Bioprozesstechnik
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Katrin Rosenthal
Postfach 10 01 31
33501 Bielefeld