CZS Junior Group Leader for “Molecular Systems Engineering/DNA Nanoscience”

Within the framework of the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung Center for Synthetic Genomics Heidelberg-Karlsruhe-Mainz (CZS Center SynGen, www.syn-gen.de, Heidelberg-Karlsruhe-Mainz), the Chemistry Department at JGU Mainz is searching for a CZS Junior Group Leader (JGL) to engage in the field of “Molecular Systems Engineering/DNA Nanoscience”.

The JGL will be part of the Department of Chemistry, which is equipped with state-of-the-art analytical, experimental and data processing methods. The Department of Chemistry in Mainz is integrated into a strongly interacting and collaborating scientific environment with the Departments of Biology and Physics, as well as the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, the Institute for Molecular Biology and the Mainz University Medical Center.

The Campus provides an excellent collaborative research environment as showcased by various coordinated research initiatives, like the Collaborative Research Center (CRC) 1551 “Polymer Concepts in Cellular Function”, the CRC 1552 “Defects and Defect Engineering in Soft Matter” and the CRC 1361 “Regulation of DNA repair and genome stability” as well as the Cluster of Excellence Initiative Com2Life – Communicating Biomaterials. The JGL will be integrated into the CZS Center SynGen, and we highly encourage participation in the CRC 1551 and Com2Life. The position comes with independent premises (lab and office space) and start-up-funds amounting to total of ~1.50 Mio EUR. Candidates with competitive CVs to attract additional external funding like an Emmy Noether group of the DFG or an ERC starting grant are particularly encouraged to apply.

Your tasks:

We are looking for a personality (m/f/d) with a strong potential to become an international leader in their field of research and to develop an innovative research and teaching program. The area of research should focus on the wide field of “molecular systems engineering” using DNA/RNA nanoscience tool. This could be in the field of chemical reaction networks/synthetic biology, DNA origami, artificial cells, biosensors, non-equilibrium systems, bioactive systems, or comparable research fields.

The CZS Center SynGen will establish a next generation synthetic DNA platform that can provide large DNA strands at low cost. Your research may ideally benefit from such a facility. 

Participation in the teaching activities (2 hours per week during term) in the Department of Chemistry as an important aspect for building an independent academic career. These activities may also include the newly founded international/English-language degree program with the TU Darmstadt "Soft Matter and Materials". Teaching may be offered in English.

A further task is the preparation of project applications and reports for third-party funding organisations and making decisions on the use of third-party funds raised.

Your profile:

In addition to the general requirements according to public services law, applicants must meet the recruitment requirements stipulated in § 57 of the Hochschulgesetz of Rhineland-Palatinate.

• A successfully completed scientific university degree as well as a successfully completed doctorate (PhD degree), both in the field of chemistry or a similar subject
• Own scientific profile after completing your doctorate and research experience on the wide field of “molecular systems engineering” using DNA/RNA nanoscience tool
• Innovative and significant publications in leading scientific journals
• Proficiency in written and spoken English
• Educational knowledge and teaching experience is desirable

In addition, we expect an independent own scientific profile and have gained early international visibility.

What we have to offer:

• Diverse and respectful working environment with appreciation and equal opportunities
• Internal and external training opportunities
• Jobticket, optional for the entire Rhine-Main area
• Extensive human resources development offer
• Flexible working time arrangements
• The JGU Mainz supports its junior research group leaders with continuing education and structured programs, such as the Gutenberg Nachwuchskolleg or the Ada Lovelace Mentoring Pro Academia Program.

The position is paid according to EG 15 TV-L and to be filled on 01.01.2025 at the earliest. The position is limited until the end of the first funding period of the CZS Center SynGen on 31.12.2029.

JGU is diverse and welcomes qualified applications from people with varied backgrounds.

We aim to increase the number of women in the field of research and teaching and therefore encourage female researchers to apply.

Candidates with severe disabilities and appropriate qualifications will be given priority.

Are you ready for a new challenge and interested in this varied and responsible position? Then submit your complete application (see list below), by 31.10.2024, preferably via the "Apply now" button.

• a cover letter
• curriculum vitae
• copies of certificates
• list of publications including citation numbers
• overview of teaching experience (if available)
• a research dossier (3-5 pages) including possibilities for collaboration, as well as copies of up to five key publications. As for collaborations, please address your interactions with the CZS Center for Synthetic Genomics, and ideally, propose a collaboration suitable for the CRC 1551 “Polymer Concepts in Cellular Function” (www.crc1551.com).

The selection process is expected to take place at the end of November/beginning of December 2024.

For more information about the environment and the advertised junior group leader position, contact Prof. Dr. Andreas Walther at andreas.walther@uni-mainz.de. For more information about the CZS Center Syngen contact Prof. Dr. Edward Lemke at Lemke-office@uni-mainz.de

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