Research Associate for the Project “VALPROTOX” Protein-based functional materials § 28 Subsection 3

Research Associate for the Project “VALPROTOX” Protein-based functional materials § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG

InstitutionFaculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Institute of Physical Chemistry

Salary level

Start date01.10.2026 pending approval of external funding, fixed until 30.09.2029 (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).

Application deadline16.08.2026

Scope of workpart-time

Weekly hours67 % of standard work hours per week

Your responsibilities

Duties include academic services in the project named above. Research associates may also pursue further academic qualifications outside of their work responsibilities. They may also pursue doctoral studies outside of working duties.

We are looking for a highly motivated and talented PhD candidate to join our interdisciplinary research team at the Institute of Physical Chemistry. This position offers the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research in the field of biohybrid materials.

Our research focuses on the development of functional protein-based materials and the investigation of their synthesis, processing, and performance, for example, for advanced biomedical and biotechnological applications.

In this position, you will focus on protein design for protein-based adsorber materials: designing engineered protein variants with tailored binding properties and validating them experimentally to improve selectivity and material performance.

Within our research group the successful candidate will be responsible for:

Experimental Research

• design and develop engineered protein variants with tailored functional properties using rational design approaches
• perform molecular biology workflows, including recombinant protein production and purification of engineered protein variants
• generate modified protein-based materials and investigate how protein modifications affect material properties and adsorption behavior
• establish and optimize workflows for the quantitative evaluation of material performance in iterative design, testing, and optimization cycles

Functional Evaluation and Data Analysis

• develop and perform quantitative assays to evaluate the functional properties of engineered protein-based materials
• analyze experimental data to relate molecular design to material properties and functional performance, and use the results to guide further optimization
• maintain accurate and detailed records of all research activities and findings

Method Development

• develop and optimize experimental methods for the characterization and evaluation of functional protein materials
• improve and standardize assay workflows to enhance selectivity, reproducibility, and comparability between different material variants

Collaboration and Communication

• work collaboratively within the group and with interdisciplinary project partners, coordinating with colleagues responsible for material synthesis and structural characterization
• present research findings in group meetings, departmental seminars, and international conferences
• prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and contribute to project reporting across collaborating work packages

Mentoring

• mentor undergraduate and master's students involved in related research projects

Compliance and Safety

• ensure compliance with safety regulations and ethical standards and actively participate in laboratory safety training

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field.

Candidates are required to have:

• master’s degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Materials Science, or a closely related field
• practical laboratory experience in protein engineering, molecular biology, biochemistry, or related areas
• experience with recombinant protein expression and purification is advantageous
• knowledge of computational protein design and protein redesign approaches (e.g., structure-based design or related computational tools) is highly desirable
• interest in combining computational approaches with experimental validation for the development of functional protein-based materials
• strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to design, perform, and evaluate experiments independently
• ability to analyze experimental data and derive conclusions to guide iterative optimization strategies
• good organizational skills and the ability to maintain accurate experimental records
• good communication skills and the ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary research team
• excellent proficiency in English, both written and oral; knowledge of German is beneficial but not mandatory

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to pursue a PhD at the University of Hamburg in Chemistry.

We offer

• Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements
• Continuing education opportunities
• University pensions
• Attractive location
• Flexible working hours
• Work-life balance opportunities
• Health management, EGYM Wellpass
• Educational leave
• 30 days of vacation per annum

Universität Hamburg—University of Excellence is one of the strongest research educational institutions in Germany. Our work in research, teaching, educational and knowledge exchange activities is fostering the next generation of responsible global citizens ready to tackle the global challenges facing us. Our guiding principle “Innovating and Cooperating for a Sustainable Future in a digital age” drives collaboration with academic and nonacademic partner institutions in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region and around the world. We would like to invite you to be part of our community to work with us in creating sustainable and digital change for a dynamic and pluralist society.

The University of Hamburg is committed to equity. Diversity enriches our university life, whether in our studies, research, teaching, education, or workplace. We therefore welcome all applications, regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic or social background, age, religion or belief, disability, or chronic illness.

Severely disabled and disabled applicants with the same status will receive preference over equally qualified non-disabled applicants.

Notice regarding the background check under Section 34a of the Hamburg security clearance act (Gesetz zur Regelung der Sicherheitsüberprüfungen, HmbSÜG): On behalf of the person chosen in the selection procedure, this office submits an inquiry to the state office for the protection of the constitution (Landesamt für Verfassungsschutz) regarding any available findings/information which meet the statutory requirements ( and ).