Biologist as Postdoc (m/f/d)- Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf

The group of Prof. Dr. Eva Nowack, Institute of Microbial Cell Biology, faculty of Biology at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf is looking forPostdoc (m/f/d) in Endosymbiosis ResearchJob-ID: J000000535Art der Anstellung: VollzeitEinsatzort: DüsseldorfStartdatum: 01.02.2026Befristet bis: 31.01.2028Bewerben bis: 12.12.2025Entgeltgruppe: EGr. 13 TV-LOrganisationseinheit: Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche FakultätTätigkeitsbereich: Wissenschaft / Forschung / LehreOur group is an enthusiastic team of cell and evolutionary biologists who investigate the evolutionary transition from bacterial endosymbionts to eukaryotic organelles. We are eager to understand the interactions of protists with permanent bacterial endosymbionts on a mechanistic level. To this end, we combine an array of state-of-the-art omics technologies with a strong focus on detailed molecular biological and protein biochemical experimentation to test omics-derived hypotheses. As model systems we established the photosynthetic amoeba Paulinella chromatophora and the symbiont-harboring trypanosomatid Angomonas deanei (plus relatives) in the lab. During the past years, we have gained fascinating insights into the process of organellogenesis and developed novel tools to dissect the biology of host/symbiont interactions (see e.g., Singer et al. (2017) Curr Biol. doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2017.08.010.; Morales et al. (2023) Curr Biol. doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.11.020.; Sørensen et al. (2024) FEBS J. doi: 10.1111/febs.17356; Maurya et al. (2025) Science Adv. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adp8518; Klimenko et al. (2025) Plant Phys. doi: 10.1093/plphys/kiaf504).Activities and responsibilitiesTo support the research of the group, we are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher. The successful candidate will work on a current project central to our research questions (that can partially be shaped by the interests and strengths of the successful candidate). Qualification profile A PhD in biology, biochemistry or a related areaResearch experience in protistology, endosymbiosis biology, organelle biology or comparative genomics (in the latter case, with at least basic wet lab experience in protistology, endosymbiosis or organelle biology)A strong motivation in experimental work, literature search and scientific writingReadiness to work independently and as a team player in an interdisciplinary, international teamFluency (oral and written) in EnglishProactive character, creativity, communication and presentation skills, excellent organization and analytical skillsWe envision to enable the successful candidate to develop into a group leader and generate independent funding within the next two to three years. Therefore, the position aims at researchers with an excellent academic track record, who are poised for an academic career.We offerThe position is initially limited for a period of 2 years with the possibility of extension. It is a qualification position in the sense of the Act of Academic Fixed-Term Contract (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz - WissZeitVG), which is to promote the scientific qualification of the employee. The pay scale grouping will be 13 TV-L.