Postdoctoral Researcher in Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology (f/m/d)

Job advertisement no. 064/2025

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.

Responsibilities:

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.

Requirements:

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

We offer you:

• 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.

Starting date: As soon as possible. The contract will initially run for 2 years.

Salary: E13 TVöD Bund

Working time: 39 hours per week

Place of work: Braunschweig

Probation period: 6 months

For further information, please contact Prof. Mark Brönstrup, phone 0531 6181-3400, email: mark.broenstrup@helmholtz-hzi.de (mailto:mark.broenstrup@helmholtz-hzi.de) .

How to apply:

When sending us your application documents, please confirm that you have read our privacy policy and that you agree to the processing of your personal data. Please use the text module in our privacy policy for this purpose. Without these declarations we cannot consider or process your application and will immediately delete any application documents already received after the application deadline.

Please include a cover letter, resume, (employment) references, certificates, and (if available) work samples or reference projects with your application materials. Please refrain from sending a photo.

Please send your complete application, quoting the reference number064/2025 , to the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research GmbH, Human Resources Department, Inhoffenstr. 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany or by e-mail (mailto:JobsHZI@helmholtz-hzi.de) . If you send your application in electronic form, please provide a summary in one single (1) pdf document .

We look forward to receiving your application!