Postdoctoral Research Associate in Single-Molecule FRET and Topoisomerase Mechanisms University of Münster in Germany

Postdoctoral Research Associate position in single-molecule FRET and topoisomerase mechanism at the University of Münster in the group Mechanisms of Molecular Machines (Institute for Physical Chemistry).

The project is DFG-funded and focuses on understanding the mechanistic differences between the related enzymes Topo II and Topo VI. The successful candidate will characterize conformational changes in the catalytic cycles of both enzymes and their coordination by single-molecule FRET microscopy.

Research environment: state-of-the-art molecular biology and biochemistry laboratories, confocal single-molecule microscopes with alternating laser excitation, and a total internal reflection microscope with fast camera detection.

Key tasks include preparing recombinant topoisomerases for single-molecule FRET experiments, planning/executing/analyzing experiments, designing control experiments, presenting results at meetings and conferences, preparing manuscripts, and mentoring B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. students.

Eligibility highlights: doctoral degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, physics, biophysics, or a related field; experience with molecular biology in E. coli and yeast; recombinant protein production and chromatographic purification; experience with single-molecule fluorescence experiments; strong English; analytical, organized, independent, and team-oriented working style.

Appointment details: full-time position, salary level E 13 TV-L, fixed term of 3 years, starting 1 August 2026.

Application deadline: 2026-04-30. Apply by sending a single PDF containing a motivation letter, CV, copy of university degree, and two references to Prof. Dr. Dagmar Klostermeier at the University of Münster.