Research Associate (m/f/d) – Laboratory and Project Coordinator Molecular Biology

Research Associate (m/f/d) – Laboratory and Project Coordinator Molecular Biology (E 13 TV-L, full-time)

At HAWK University of Applied Sciences and Arts Hildesheim/Holzminden/Göttingen, Faculty of Engineering and Health, Göttingen campus, the position is to be filled at the earliest possible date, for a fixed term of three years.

Within the ERC Advanced Grant project FEMTOMICS, novel photonic and molecular analytical methods are being developed for the high-resolution investigation of dynamic protein-DNA interactions. Femtosecond laser-based crosslinking (fliX) is combined with complementary methods in quantitative and structural proteomics (LC-MS/MS), genomics and sequencing (ChIP-Seq, nanopore sequencing), and bioinformatics for multiomics data integration and analysis to characterise protein–DNA interactions at the structural and functional levels. The aim is to make previously inaccessible dynamic molecular processes experimentally measurable and thereby establish new foundations for investigating regulatory mechanisms in biological and disease-relevant systems.

For the scientific development and coordination of the molecular biology work package within FEMTOMICS, an enthusiastic scientist with proven experimental expertise in molecular biology, genomics, biochemistry, and cell biology is sought. The position combines the independent development and execution of scientific experiments with responsibility for experimental planning, laboratory workflow management, the coordination of external analyses, and interdisciplinary collaboration across physics, proteomics, and bioinformatics. The work will contribute to the further development of the FEMTOMICS platform and create new opportunities for the structural and functional characterisation of protein–DNA interactions and the investigation of disease-relevant regulatory processes.

Tasks & Responsibilities

• Scientific responsibility for the planning, execution, and evaluation of molecular biology, genomics, biochemistry, and cell biology work within the FEMTOMICS project
• Optimisation and validation of molecular biology, genomics, and biochemistry methods for investigating protein–DNA interactions
• Planning, conducting, and performing quality control of:
  • Cell culture experiments using adherent mammalian cell lines, including sample preparation for downstream next-generation sequencing (NGS), proteomics, and multiomics analyses
  • Molecular biology, genomic, and biochemical experiments for the investigation of protein–DNA interactions
  • NGS workflow, including sample and library preparation
• Technical coordination of molecular biology work packages and coordination with interdisciplinary collaboration partners, core facilities, and external service providers

Qualifications

• A completed university degree at Master’s or Diploma level in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or a comparable natural science; a relevant doctorate is advantageous
• Demonstrated independent research experience acquired after completing a Master’s degree, with a suitable scientific and methodological profile

Abilities & Skills

• Sound practical experience in several of the following areas: DNA and RNA analysis, qPCR, ChIP or related protein–DNA interaction methods, NGS library preparation, mammalian cell culture, ELISA, SDS–PAGE, Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, and binding assays
• Experience in independently planning, conducting, evaluating, and optimising scientific experiments and experimental workflows
• Strong analytical and independent scientific thinking, with the ability to critically evaluate experimental results, develop solutions to scientific and methodological challenges, and communicate findings effectively within an interdisciplinary research environment
• Practical experience with NGS methods is required
• Knowledge of nanopore sequencing and sample preparation for LC‑MS/MS analysis is advantageous
• Experience in bioinformatics using R, Python, or Bash and in the analysis or integration of proteomic and multiomics datasets is advantageous
• A demonstrated record of scientific publications is highly desirable
• Proficiency in using standard computer applications, such as Microsoft Office
• Very good English skills for scientific communication and laboratory work
• Very good German skills for handling administrative matters

HAWK sees itself as a place that creates opportunities. An equal-opportunity and diversity-oriented working environment in interactions with colleagues and students is expected.

As a diversity-friendly university, employees with different backgrounds are welcomed and applications from people from underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged. The university supports the compatibility of family and career, among other things through highly flexible working-time models.

Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration in accordance with the relevant statutory provisions if they have equal aptitude, qualifications and professional performance.

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