Postdoctoral Researcher position in “Self-Degrading Microplastics”

Creating knowledge. Doing meaningful work. Shaping the future. This is what the University of Münster stands for – one of Germany’s leading research universities and one of the region’s largest employers. Over 7,000 employees are committed every day to cutting-edge international research and excellent teaching. What unites us is more than just a workplace: it’s the ambition to make a difference together – regionally and internationally. Diversity, openness, and freedom for individual ideas characterize our daily work. Become part of our team in academia, technology, skilled trades, or administration.

The Center for Soft Nanoscience (SoN) at the University of Münster, in the department of Prof. Seraphine Wegner, is seeking to fill the following position starting on January 1, 2027:

Research Associate (E 13 TV-L)

The position is to be filled. A full-time position is offered, limited to three years . The teaching load is 4 hours per week for full-time employment.

Your tasks:

• Collaboration in an interdisciplinary research team within the framework of the Momentum project “Self-Degrading Microplastics”, funded by the Volkswagen Foundation
• Development of innovative strategies for the integration of enzyme-loaded nanocompartments into polymer matrices
• Characterization and optimization of enzymatic activity for the degradation of macro- and microplastics
• Exploration of commercialization opportunities in collaboration with the university’s innovation office.
• Communication of research results to scientific and non-scientific target groups through publications, lectures and outreach activities.
• Participation in teaching and supervision of students

Our expectations:

• PhD in biochemistry, biotechnology, enzyme engineering or a related field
• Sound knowledge of enzyme production and characterization of enzymatic activity is required.
• Practical experience with biochemical methods for the production and characterization of enzymes (e.g., UV/Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy, HPLC, gel electrophoresis) is necessary.
• An interest in interdisciplinary research at the interface of polymer chemistry, biotechnology and synthetic biology is essential.
• Knowledge of polymer-degrading enzymes as well as micro- and nanoplastics is advantageous.
• Interest in translational research and technology transfer is welcome.
• Excellent English skills; German skills are required.
• Proven scientific productivity (publications, conference contributions, involvement in the scientific community) is required.
• Willingness to participate in teaching is necessary.

Your benefit:

• Appreciation, commitment, openness and respect – these are values ​​that are important to us.
• Whether it’s caregiving or childcare – our Family Service Office offers you concrete support services to help you balance your private and professional life.
• Your individual, tailor-made training and further education is not only important to us as an educational institution, but a matter close to our hearts.
• From Aikido to Zumba – our sports and health offerings from A to Z ensure your work-life balance.
• They benefit from numerous public service perks such as an attractive company pension scheme ( VBL ), an annual bonus payment and a workplace that is hardly affected by economic fluctuations.

The University of Münster is committed to equal opportunities and diversity . We welcome all applications regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic or social origin, religion or belief, disability, age, or sexual orientation or identity. Providing family-friendly working conditions is a matter of course for us. Part-time employment is generally possible.

Applications from women are expressly encouraged. In cases of equal suitability, qualifications, and professional performance, women will be given preferential consideration unless there are overriding reasons related to a male applicant.

Have we sparked your interest? Then we look forward to receiving your application as a PDF file by September 11, 2026 , to wegnerse@uni-muenster.de .

Please note that we cannot accept other file formats.

Tender reference number for inquiries: 2026_08_01