5 years Postdoc Job in Protein Biochemistry or Molecular Plant Sciences at the University of Osnabrück, Germany

The Department of Plant Physiology within the Faculty of Biology/Chemistry at the University of Osnabrück, Germany, is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) in Protein Biochemistry or Molecular Plant Sciences. The position is offered as a Research Assistant at pay scale 13 TV-L, 100% full-time, initially limited to three years, with a perspective for extension to five years. The appointment is available at the earliest possible date and will remain open until the position is filled, subject to the stated application deadline.

The successful candidate will join a developing research department investigating the physiological relevance of protein half-life and protein stability in plants, using biochemical, genetic, and molecular biological approaches in both model and non-model systems.

A major research focus is the role of post-translational protein modifications and their effects on plant phenotypes and responses to environmental conditions. The position is particularly suited to researchers with a strong background in plant molecular biology, protein biochemistry, molecular biology, and protein analytics.

Key Details

Detail	Information
Position	Postdoc in Protein Biochemistry or Molecular Plant Sciences
Institution	University of Osnabrück
Department	Department of Biology/Chemistry – Plant Physiology
Location	Osnabrück, Germany
Position Type	Research Assistant / Postdoctoral Researcher
Employment Level	100% full-time
Salary	Pay scale 13 TV-L
Contract Duration	3 years, with perspective for extension to 5 years
Research Areas	Protein Biochemistry, Molecular Plant Sciences, Plant Molecular Biology
Required Degree	Doctorate in Biology or Biochemistry
Deadline	August 31, 2026
Application Format	Single PDF document
Application Email	bewerb-bio@uni-osnabrueck.de
Contact	Prof. Dr. Nico Dissmeyer
Contact Email	nico.dissmeyer@uos.de

About the Research

The Plant Physiology department investigates how protein stability and protein half-life influence plant physiology. The research combines biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, and physiological approaches to understand how protein turnover contributes to plant development and environmental responses. The research is conducted in both model and non-model plant systems. One of the department’s central interests is understanding how post-translational modifications influence protein function, stability, and ultimately plant phenotypes.

The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to research on proteins with short half-lives and investigate how their rapid turnover is connected to important biological processes, including ethylene signalling, cysteine proteases, and programmed cell death. The position therefore provides an opportunity to work across several interconnected areas of modern plant molecular science, from biochemical mechanisms and protein modifications to genetics, cellular imaging, and whole-plant physiological relevance.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

The successful candidate will investigate the physiological and molecular roles of short protein half-lives in plants. The research will include biochemical, physiological, and genetic characterization of proteins and processes associated with rapid protein turnover. Particular attention will be given to links between protein stability and ethylene signalling, cysteine proteases, and programmed cell death.

An important part of the work will involve identifying and characterizing different types of protein modifications. These may include endoproteolytic cleavage, amino-terminal processing such as arginylation, and ubiquitination. The researcher will also contribute to the development and application of biochemical in vitro reconstitution approaches. These methods will help establish mechanistic links between protein modification and stability.

Another important objective is to connect biochemical observations with their physiological relevance. This will involve approaches such as live-cell imaging and genetic analysis, allowing molecular findings to be investigated in the context of plant physiology. The position therefore combines laboratory-based protein biochemistry with molecular genetics, cell biology, and physiological analysis.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Applicants must have completed a doctorate in Biology or Biochemistry with excellent marks. A strong academic focus on plant molecular biology and protein biochemistry is required. Candidates should also have a sound publication record demonstrating their ability to conduct and communicate high-quality scientific research.

Practical experience in the following areas is particularly important:

• Molecular plant sciences
• Molecular biology
• Protein biochemistry
• Protein analytics
• Plant molecular biology
• Experimental research involving protein stability or related processes

Candidates should be comfortable working with biochemical and molecular biological techniques and interpreting experimental results in a broader plant physiological context.

Preferred Experience

Experience with amino-terminal protein modifications will be particularly valuable. Candidates who have previously worked on approaches addressing protein half-life are also encouraged to apply. A strong publication record, including first-author publications in recognized peer-reviewed journals, is considered desirable. Applicants with direct experience connecting protein biochemical mechanisms with plant physiology, genetics, or cellular processes may be especially well suited to the research environment.

Research Environment and Career Development

The University of Osnabrück offers the opportunity to work on scientifically challenging research topics within a developing department. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to and help shape the department’s research environment.

The department provides access to state-of-the-art equipment and infrastructure and promotes a collaborative working atmosphere. Newly renovated laboratories and plant cultivation facilities support research in plant molecular sciences and related areas.

The position also offers opportunities to collaborate through international interdisciplinary networks and project partnerships. These collaborations span areas including molecular farming, synthetic biology, molecular plant sciences, and protein modifications. For early-career researchers, the university provides structured training programs designed to support professional and scientific development.

Employment Conditions

The position is a 100% full-time Research Assistant appointment at pay scale 13 TV-L. The initial contract is limited to three years, with a perspective for extension to five years. Part-time employment is possible. The University of Osnabrück also describes itself as a family-friendly university and is committed to supporting the reconciliation of work and family life.

The university is committed to professional equality between women and men and aims to increase representation of the underrepresented gender in relevant areas. Severely disabled applicants and persons with equivalent qualifications will receive preferential consideration in accordance with the university’s stated policy.

Why Apply for This Postdoc?

This position offers researchers an opportunity to develop expertise at the intersection of protein biochemistry and molecular plant science. The research topic is closely connected to fundamental questions about protein stability, plant signalling, protein degradation, and environmental responses.

The combination of biochemical reconstitution, protein modification analysis, genetics, live-cell imaging, and plant physiology provides a broad interdisciplinary research environment. Researchers will also benefit from modern laboratory and plant cultivation facilities, international collaborations, and structured professional development opportunities.

Application Requirements

Applicants should prepare the following documents:

• Letter of motivation
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Copies of academic and professional certificates
• Contact details for two references

All application documents should be combined into one PDF document.

How to Apply:

Applications should be submitted by email to the Dean of the Department of Biology/Chemistry at the University of Osnabrück, with the application addressed to Prof. Dr. Nico Dissmeyer. The application must be sent to: bewerb-bio@uni-osnabrueck.de The application deadline is August 31, 2026.

Applicants are encouraged to make sure their motivation letter and CV clearly demonstrate their experience in plant molecular biology, protein biochemistry, protein analytics, relevant research methods, and scientific publication.

Contact for Further Information

For additional information about the position and research activities, candidates may contact: Prof. Dr. Nico Dissmeyer
Department of Biology/Chemistry
University of Osnabrück
Email: nico.dissmeyer@uos.de

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the University of Osnabrück Postdoc position about?

The position focuses on protein biochemistry and molecular plant sciences, particularly the physiological relevance of protein half-life and stability in plants.

Where is the position located?

The position is based at the University of Osnabrück in Osnabrück, Germany, within the Department of Biology/Chemistry and its Plant Physiology research area.

What degree is required?

Applicants must hold a doctorate in Biology or Biochemistry with excellent marks.

What research background is expected?

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in plant molecular biology, molecular biology, protein biochemistry, and protein analytics, together with a sound publication record.

Is experience with protein half-life required?

Experience with approaches addressing protein half-life is listed as desirable. It can strengthen an application but is presented as an ideal qualification rather than a mandatory requirement.

What protein modifications will be studied?

The research includes endoproteolytic cleavage, amino-terminal processing such as arginylation, and ubiquitination.

What biological processes are involved?

The research will investigate links between short protein half-lives and processes including ethylene signalling, cysteine proteases, and programmed cell death.

Is a publication record required?

Yes. Applicants should have a sound publication record. First-author publications in recognized peer-reviewed journals are particularly desirable.

How long is the contract?

The initial appointment is for three years, with a perspective for extension to five years.

Is the position full-time?

Yes. The advertised position is 100% full-time. Part-time employment is also possible.

What salary scale applies?

The position is classified as pay scale 13 TV-L.

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is August 31, 2026.

What documents are required?

Applicants should submit a letter of motivation, CV, copies of certificates, and two reference addresses as a single PDF document.

Where should applications be sent?

Applications should be sent to bewerb-bio@uni-osnabrueck.de and addressed to Prof. Dr. Nico Dissmeyer at the Department of Biology/Chemistry, University of Osnabrück.

Can applicants work part-time?

Yes. The vacancy states that part-time employment is possible.