Summary
The University of Marburg is seeking a motivated and dedicated Research Assistant (Doctoral Researcher/PhD) to join the Department of Pharmacy’s “RNA biochemistry” research group led by Prof. Dr. Julia Weigand. The successful candidate will conduct cutting-edge RNA research within a highly collaborative environment as part of the CRC/Transregio 440 project: “smART – specific mRNA targeting.” The project’s goal is to develop new RNA-based technologies to control the function of disease-relevant eukaryotic mRNAs.
PhD in RNA Biochemistry at University of Marburg, Germany
Designation
Research Assistant (Doctoral Researcher / PhD Candidate)
Position Overview
| Attribute | Details |
| Institution | University of Marburg (Universität Marburg) |
| Department | Department of Pharmacy (RNA biochemistry) |
| Salary | E 13 TV-H |
| Volume of Employment | Part-time (65%) |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Start Date | October 1, 2026 |
| Registration Number | fb16-0006-wmz-2026 |
Research Area
RNA Biochemistry and Therapeutics: The research focuses on RNA-ligand interactions, mRNA structure analyses, and developing chemical-biological tools and screening platforms for targeting specific mRNA molecules.
Location
University of Marburg, Hesse, Germany
Eligibility / Qualification
- Education: MSc degree (or equivalent) in biochemistry, biology, or a related field in the life and natural sciences.
- Experience: Practical experience in biochemistry and/or molecular biology. Prior experience in RNA synthesis, analyzing sequencing results, and/or RNA structural analysis is considered a strong advantage.
- Skills: Critical thinking, enthusiasm for scientific inquiry and experimental work, and the ability to thrive in a team environment.
- Language: Excellent English proficiency is required; knowledge of German is an advantage.
- Academic Goal: A disposition toward your own scientific qualification (i.e., completing a doctorate project in RNA biochemistry) is expected.
Job Description (Tasks)
- Provide scientific services in research and teaching, focusing on RNA-ligand interactions.
- Develop screening platforms for high-throughput characterization of RNA-targeting small molecules using structural probing techniques (e.g., SHAPE-MaP).
- Establish RNA-targeting small molecule libraries.
- Develop high-affinity RNA-targeting molecules for the regulation of protein biosynthesis.
- Conduct detailed characterization of RNA interactions with small molecules and RNA-binding proteins.
- Perform mRNA structure analyses within the collaborative projects of the TRR 440.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted online. You can apply by clicking the “Online application” button directly on the official University of Marburg job portal page.
Last Date to Apply
July 26, 2026
