Research Fellow (m/f/d) in Molecular Microbiology
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin is offering a
Research Fellow (m/f/d) in Molecular Microbiology
at the Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biology, in the Molecular Microbiology group led by
Prof. Dr. Marc Erhardt
.
The position is embedded in a DFG-funded project on the
flagellar type-III secretion system (T3SS) ATPase complex
and its role during flagellum assembly in
Salmonella enterica
. The research focuses on bacterial nanomachines, especially the assembly, function, and regulation of the flagellum and T3SS. Methodologically, the project combines
bacterial genetics
,
biochemical approaches
,
super-resolution fluorescence microscopy
, and
quantitative image analysis
.
The successful candidate will contribute to research and teaching. Responsibilities include construction and analysis of Salmonella mutants, secretion and motility assays, protein biochemical characterization, application of super-resolution microscopy to study localization and dynamics of the export machinery, documentation and presentation of results, and writing scientific publications. Teaching duties include microbiology practical courses, seminars, and tutorials within QMB.
The appointment is
50% part-time
(E 13 TV-L HU) with third-party funding limited until
2027-06-29
. An additional 50% replacement appointment is expected until
2026-11-12
, and extension or further part-time employment may be possible. The position is based in
Berlin, Germany
, in a highly international and research-oriented environment with access to modern laboratory infrastructure and super-resolution microscopy.
Applicants should hold a completed university degree and a
PhD
in microbiology, biochemistry, biology, or a related field. Strong knowledge of bacterial genetics and molecular biology, experience with protein biochemistry, fluorescence microscopy, quantitative image analysis, and university-level teaching are required. Excellent English skills (minimum C1) and independent, structured working habits are expected. Preferred experience includes bacterial secretion systems, flagellar assembly, bacterial motility, super-resolution microscopy, single-molecule tracking, and scripting or data-analysis tools such as Python or R.
The application deadline is
23 September 2026
. Interested candidates should apply by email with a single PDF file including a motivation letter, CV, publication list, qualification documents, references/evaluations, and contact information for two referees. The reference number is
DR/152/26
.