The Center for Biotechnology – CeBiTec has the following job opening:
- starting: as soon as possible
- Vollzeit
- salary according to Remuneration level 13 TV-L
- befristet
The Bioprocess Engineering research group investigates how enzymes and microorganisms can be used to synthesize valuable molecules, particularly those with pharmaceutical relevance. Biotechnological processes can optimize existing chemical processes from both an ecological and economic perspective, or enable the production of compounds that cannot be obtained using conventional methods. A key focus of the research is on understanding and optimizing complex biocatalytic systems. Enzyme cascades, for example, offer elegant solutions for multistep syntheses, but are often limited by destabilizing interactions between their components. By combining modeling, simulation, and targeted experiments, the research group develops data-driven strategies that improve the overall performance of these cascades.
Another area focuses on cell-free protein synthesis, including its application to particularly challenging proteins, such as membrane proteins. Since their expression in vivo is often limited by toxicity, misfolding, and restricted membrane capacity, the cell-free system offers a flexible alternative. Using suitable hydrophobic environments and integrated activity assays, we investigate how membrane proteins can be synthesized directly in a functional form in a cell-free system.
Beyond the development of individual processes, the research group focuses on how biocatalysis and bioprocess engineering can advance more rapidly and transparently. Standardized, high-quality datasets are crucial for reproducibility, modeling, and machine learning, but remain scarce. Therefore, the research group is committed to making experimental data FAIR to accelerate innovation.
- research tasks in the field of biocatalysis and data-driven optimization of bioreactions (50 %)
- teaching responsibilities amounting to 4 course units (25 %)
- preparation of publications and research grant proposals (15 %)
- participation in general administrative tasks (10 %)
Employment is conducive to scientific qualification and provides the opportunity for further academic development.
- salary according to Remuneration level 13 TV-L
- befristet (1 year) (§ 2 (1) of the WissZeitVG; in accordance with the provisions of the WissZeitVG and the Agreement on Satisfactory Conditions of Employment, the length of contract may differ in individual cases)
- Vollzeit
- internal and external training opportunities
- variety of health, consulting and prevention services
- reconcilability of family and work
- flexible working hours
- good transport connection
- collegial working environment
- open and pleasant working atmosphere
- exciting, varied tasks
- modern work environment with digital processes
- various offers (canteen, cafeteria, restaurants, Uni-Shop, ATM, etc.)
- completed scientific university degree in bioengineering (or chemical engineering), systems and process engineering, or a related field
- completed PhD or near completion of PhD (thesis defense pending), ideally at the intersection of data-driven modeling and biological or biotechnological processes
- in-depth knowledge of enzyme kinetics and mathematical modelling of biocatalytic reactions, including kinetic modelling, parameter identification and estimation, and data-driven methods such as Bayesian optimisation
- experience of developing and optimising in vitro biotransformations, and of statistically analysing and interpreting experiments
- programming skills in Python for data analysis and modelling
- excellent written and spoken English
- ability to work independently, take initiative, and engage in interdisciplinary collaboration
- cooperative and team-oriented work style
- strong communication skills
- experience in academic publishing
- experience in advising students
We are looking forward to receiving your application including a CV, certificates and transcripts. To apply, please preferably use our online form via the application button below.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Katrin Rosenthal
0521 106-5301
katrin.rosenthal@uni-bielefeld.de
Postal Address
Universität Bielefeld
Technische Fakultät I AG Bioprozesstechnik
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Katrin Rosenthal
Postfach 10 01 31
33501 Bielefeld
