If you are looking for a PhD opportunity in either molecular biology or biochemistry, one that is highly funded, conducted within a collaborative research environment, and centers on a particularly exciting aspect of microbial biology, then you should definitely pay some attention to this opportunity. Currently, Philipps-Universität Marburg is seeking out a doctoral researcher for their DFG-funded research training group entitled “Nucleotide Metabolism in Microbes.”
What Is MiNu, and Why Does It Matter for DFG-funded Projects?
Before proceeding to the individual project, it may prove worthwhile for one to learn more about the environment that one will be joining. MiNu is not one individual lab recruiting separately; it is a well-organized consortium of multiple labs.
- The GRK 2937 is composed of 11 research groups from Marburg covering genetics, structural biology, microbiology, biochemistry, and chemical/synthetic biology, all working on nucleotides, the chemical components that make up DNA, RNA, and cell cofactors in various microorganisms.
- The aim is to identify universal aspects of nucleotide metabolism and adaptations unique to each microbial species, including chemical changes made to nucleotides by microbes.
- With support of €6.1 million from the German Research Foundation (DFG), the RTG represents the long-term commitment of an institution, rather than a short-term grant.
- The MiNu operates collaboratively within the Philipps-Universität Marburg and the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, allowing PhD students to benefit from both well-equipped research sites.
- Outside of research work, the RTG focuses on career advancement with help from the Marburg Research Academy (MARA), the International Office, and the Higher Education Didactics Office, with infrastructure geared towards training internationally minded scientists, not just authors.
DFG-funded Project: Decoding RNA Processing in Extreme Heat-Loving Archaea
This available position is within the sub-project headed by Prof. Dr. Lennart Randau, whose research concerns “NUDIX hydrolase, a type of enzyme that processes ‘capped’ RNA molecules” in the hyperthermophilic archaeon “Sulfolobus acidocaldarius,” which lives in hot and acidic conditions.
- Earlier studies of the Randau lab have demonstrated the specificity of certain Nudix hydrolases in this archaeon toward nucleotide-capped RNA substrates and the involvement of these enzymes in the cellular response to heat stress; this PhD research will expand upon these earlier findings.
- The doctoral candidate will study the catalytic, regulatory, and structural properties of these thermostable enzymes and their nucleotide ligands.
- The project covers both in vivo genetic manipulation in a bacterial host system (E. coli) and in an archaeal host system (S. acidocaldarius); this combination of challenging tasks is not common in most PhD projects.
- The project also involves the characterization of the archaeal metabolome in an interdisciplinary, international collaboration, as well as regular publication and conference work.
- There is opportunity for teaching assistance in classes and seminars, a useful experience for those who consider the option of an academic future.
To those entering from a materials science or engineering perspective, please see the table below that shows how this position relates to what you may consider to be a normal PhD in energy materials/electrochemistry.
DFG-funded Position Key Details
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Start date: October 1, 2026, or later
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Application deadline: August 9, 2026
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Location: Philipps-Universität Marburg, Hesse, Germany
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Contact: Prof. Dr. Lennart Randau — [email protected], +49 6421-28 23320
DFG-funded Position Eligibility Requirements
The criteria have been stated, which include technical and non-technical ones. It is vital to satisfy the fundamental course and laboratory requirements; however, the non-technical ones matter here in terms of the cooperative RTG environment.
Academic and technical requirements:
- An MSc (or equivalent) degree in biology, biochemistry, or chemistry, with emphasis on biochemistry and/or microbiology.
- Prior experience in culturing and genetic manipulation of archaeal microorganisms, a unique skill that is generally not taught in standard microbiology programs.
- Proven capability for performing molecular biology and biochemical studies (cloning, hydrolase assays, protein isolation).
- Experience with RNA biology in archaea is desirable but not essential.
- Willingness to obtain a doctoral degree in biochemistry/microbiology with a cell biology emphasis.
Personal/soft-skill expectations:
- Curiosity and high levels of intrinsic motivation to develop and lead a novel research endeavor with considerable autonomy.
- Enthusiasm about the topic, as NUDIX hydrolase biology in extremophiles represents a specialized and somewhat exploratory discipline.
- Good collaborative nature, considering that the posting mentions a “passionate and motivated team player” as a requirement, which aligns with the team training approach at MiNu.
- International experience in scientific communication due to publication and presentation in an international, interdisciplinary setting.
How to Apply
- Applications should be submitted by August 9, 2026, through the university’s online application platform accessible from the job advertisement.
- Candidates should prepare conventional materials required for doctoral applications, including CV, degree certificates, and other documents needed according to the instructions available on the online portal (the advertisement mentions neither a definite list of documents required nor provides other information).
- In case of doubts regarding compliance with minimum experience in archaeal genetics, the candidate should get in touch with the professor in charge of the project and position, Prof. Dr. Lennart Randau ([email protected], +49 6421-28 23320).
- Please note that the university makes it clear that applications and interviews cannot be paid back for, and so this should be considered if interviews require traveling expenses.
- The University actively invites women to apply and prefers women among equally qualified candidates where underrepresented; persons with disabilities as per SGB IX Section 2(2)/(3) shall also be preferred in case of equal qualifications.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is a DFG-funded position full-time?
No. The stipend is part-time work at 65% of normal working hours; this is the norm for many German Ph.D. programs that pay according to the TV-H scale.
What does “E13 TV-H” salary mean?
E13 TV-H is the usual German civil service salary grade for academics with a completed master’s degree at 65 percent full-time. This includes the standard German civil service perks, like a company retirement plan (VBL) and an unlimited bus pass for the state of Hesse.
Do I need prior archaeal research experience, or is general microbiology sufficient for DFG-funded research?
This particular posting requires applicants to have some experience working with the cultivation and genetics of archaeal microbes; thus, basic microbiology courses will not be sufficient for this requirement. Therefore, mentioning any archaeal-specific experiences in your application will be advantageous.
Is there a second DFG-funded position?
While the notice states that another position will become available shortly in the same RTG, there is no specific timeline provided for it. However, if you are qualified for this position, it will be better to apply for the existing opening than to wait because all the deadlines and requirements are not yet been released.
Can this lead to an academic career afterward?
It entails opportunities for teaching, which is helpful to students through their courses and seminars, as well as access to professional development activities provided by MARA, which are used by RTG doctoral fellows in developing their credentials for teaching and mentoring for future faculty positions.
What happens if I don’t hear back? Can I follow up for a DFG-funded position?
There are no details about the time limit for the reply. Based on the August 9, 2026 deadline and October 1, 2026 starting date, it is obvious that everything is decided during this approximate seven-week period. In case you do not receive any feedback, it is quite okay to contact Prof. Randau.
Is MiNu only recruiting for this DFG-funded project?
Not that there is any need to mention anything other than their current research associate role and future second PhD position, MiNu recently announced another independent postdoctoral opportunity of the research associate/group leader kind too.
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