Fighting pathogens together!
Postdoctoral Researcher in -Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology- (f/m/d)
Job advertisement no. : 064/2025
Starting date: As soon as possible
Duration of employment: Initial contract for 2 years
Working time: 39 hours per week
Salary: E13 TVöD Bund
Place of work: Braunschweig
Probation period: 6 months
Closing date: 10.08.2025
The departments -Chemical Biology-, led by Prof. Mark Brönstrup and -RNA Biology of Bacterial Infections- led by Prof. Jörg Vogel, at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), are offering a position for a
Postdoctoral Researcher in -Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology- (f/m/d
As a member of the Helmholtz Association, the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, based in Braunschweig, conducts top-level research in the field of infectious diseases. Our scientists develop novel methods and strategies to fight infectious diseases faster and more effectively. Our common goal is to develop novel approaches for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases. Our research focuses on bacterial and viral pathogens, their interaction with the human immune system and new effective substances and vaccines.
The aim of the department -Chemical Biology- is to discover and characterize novel anti-infectives through screening, mode of action studies and chemical synthesis. The department -RNA Biology of Bacterial Infections- explores the RNA biology of bacterial pathogens, members of the human microbiome, as well as phages. Their main focus is now shifting to the development of programmable RNA antibiotics, also called asobiotics.
The successful candidate will be responsible for the design and synthesis of novel RNA-binding drug conjugates. Such compounds should serve as next-generation precision drugs to selectively block targets in single bacterial species. The project will be conducted in close collaboration with two HZI departments, located in Braunschweig and Würzburg, and will involve the multistep synthesis of peptide-like molecules coupled to delivery units. The incumbent will get profound exposure to chemistry as well as infection biology.
Candidates should have a completed Ph.D. degree in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry or related areas as proven by high quality scientific publications. Candidates should be highly motivated and be able to design and conduct multistep synthesis. Profound knowledge in organic chemistry, purification and analytical tools such as HPLC/MS and NMR spectroscopy are mandatory. Interested applicants should have an overview knowledge on drug research. The ability to work in a multidisciplinary and international team is mandatory; it will involve regular business trips to Würzburg. Recommended knowledge of written and spoken German and English.
Advantageous for this position:
Experience in peptide chemistry, conjugation chemistry and microbiological compound profiling
First experiences in grant writing
An attractive and varied job in a future-oriented research institute with an international environment at the Science Campus South in Braunschweig
A state-of-the-art infrastructure and the latest technologies
Flexible working hours, part-time models as well as home office
A corporate culture of appreciation and promotion of equal opportunities
Extensive training and continuing education opportunities to develop professional knowledge and personal skills
A family office to support family and career as well as childcare offers
Interesting additional public service benefits
Possible subsidy of the job-ticket
People with severe disabilities and equivalent professional qualifications who are suitable for the position are given preference. In order to protect your rights, we ask you to provide us with a clearly recognizable reference to the existence of a degree of severe disability in your cover letter or resume.
The HZI is actively committed to equality, diversity and integration. For this reason, the HZI pursues the goal of professional equality between women and men. The position is suitable for part-time work.