Bielefeld University stands for interdisciplinarity, high quality research and teaching, and the further development of a gender-equitable university culture. A wide variety of subjects, perspectives and people work together and interdisciplinarily to ensure innovative research and teaching at the highest level. A differentiated range of subjects in the humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, technical sciences and medicine is open to the approximately 25,000 students. In addition to its international orientation, Bielefeld University is excellently networked in the medium-sized city and region.

 The Faculty of Biology at Bielefeld University has a vacancy for a

Professorship for Synthetic Microbial Ecology (W3)

One research focus of the Faculty of Biology is in the field of molecular life sciences. To strengthen this area, we are looking for a nationally and internationally recognised scientist with good communication and cooperation skills and extensive research activities in a current field of synthetic microbial ecology.

The candidate is expected to complement the research already underway in the Faculty of Biology and at the Bielefeld Centre for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), particularly with regard to experimental omics technologies.

We expect:

• Concept for active participation in cross-faculty research, e.g. in the focus area Microbiology in a data-driven world and/or in the focus area InChangE and/or on oxygen-dependent enzyme reactions and/or affinity of biopolymers. In addition to biology, there are many opportunities for cooperation in Chemistry, Physics, Faculty of Physics and Medicine.
• Concept for research in synthetic microbial ecology from basic knowledge to application.
• Extensive publications with high international visibility.
• Established application of an interdisciplinary methodological portfolio of experimental omics technologies.
• Teaching experience in Bachelor, Master and PhD programmes.

The Faculty of Biology greatly values quality of teaching and student mentoring, including fluent teaching and communication in English. The professorship will represent the subject of molecular biology in its entire scope in Bachelor and Master programmes, as well as in related cross-disciplinary education programmes. The teaching language at Bachelor level is German.

An active participation in faculty self-administration is expected.

Formal preconditions for employment according to § 36 HG NRW are a university degree in a pertinent subject, special ability for scientific work, to be proven by quality of the doctorate, educational aptitude which is proven by appropriate previous training or, in exceptional cases, determined in the appointment process, as well as additional scientific achievements, which are to be assessed exclusively and comprehensively during the appointment process.

Applications from suitable severely disabled people and disabled people of equal status are welcome.

Bielefeld University has received several awards for its successes in gender equality and is certified as a family-friendly university. We explicitly encourage applications from women, particularly for scientific positions. Applications are treated in accordance with the state law for equal opportunities. Family times will be considered in the context of the selection decision.

The Faculty of Biology considers gender equality to be an important task, in the implementation of which shall be supported by the future position holder. Bielefeld University supports dual-career constellations in shaping a shared centre of life and work.

Applications should consist of: cover letter, CV, list of research activities and third-party funding acquired so far, publication list with up to ten publications highlighted as “most important”, two-page research and teaching concept, list of courses held and other proof of teaching competence, copies of academic certificates.

Please submit your application online via the Bielefeld University appointment portal by 30/09/2026:

https://berufungen.uni-bielefeld.de/

Contact:

Bielefeld University
Dean of the Faculty of Biology
Prof Dr Andrea Bräutigam
P.O. 10 01 31
33501 Bielefeld
E-Mail: dekan.biologie@uni-bielefeld.de

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