Stellenausschreibung

Location

Essen

Application area

Department of Biological and Genomic Treatment Approaches

Postdoctoral Position in Structural and Functional Analysis of the DNA Helicase DDX11 (f/m/d, No. 629-25)
EG 13 TV-L

At the interface between human health, the environment and animal health, the Research Center One Health Ruhr provides combines the Departments of Biology, Chemistry, Medicine, Environmental Science and Neuroscience under one interdisciplinary roof. You support the Center for Medical Biotechnology (ZMB) and thereby contribute to the development of the working group of Biological and Genomic Treatment Approaches.

Start of employment

May 2026

Duration of employment

2 years

Working time

39 h 50 min (100%), part-time employment is possible

Your main tasks

The successful candidate will lead a project centered on the purification and structural characterization of the DNA helicase DDX11, a key player in replication-coupled sister chromatid cohesion and genome maintenance. After establishing optimized purification procedures, the project will involve:

Structural analysis of DDX11 (in collaboration with cryo-EM and crystallography experts)
Functional assays to assess DNA and RNA helicase activity
Chemical screening for compounds interfering with DDX11’s helicase or DNA-binding functions
Biochemical reconstitution of DDX11 interactions with replisome components and cohesin to elucidate mechanistic roles

Your profile

PhD in Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Molecular Biology, or related discipline
Proven experience in protein purification and biochemical or biophysical assays
Experience with structural methods (cryo-EM, X-ray crystallography, or related) is highly desirable
Strong motivation, independence, and ability to collaborate across disciplines

We offer you

- A dynamic, international research environment
- Access to state-of-the-art structural and proteomics facilities
- Competitive salary according to German TV-L guidelines
- Opportunity to contribute to pioneering research at the intersection of DNA replication, repair, and chromatin biology
- a respectful workplace
- family-friendliness through care options for your children
- attractive sports and health services (university sports)
- an excellent public transport infrastructure and free parking

Application deadline

2025-12-31

Code number

629-25

Application

Please send your application indicating the reference number 629-25 and the subject line Postdoc DDX11 as a single pdf including a motivation letter, CV, publication list, and contact details of two referees to: Prof. Dr. Dana Branzei, University of Duisburg-Essen, Faculty of Biology, Center for Medical Biotechnology (ZMB), 45117 Essen, Germany.
E-mail: dana.branzei@uni-due.de

Research Alliance Ruhr

As the densest university landscape in Europe, the Metropole Ruhr offers attractive career opportunities for excellent scientists from all over the world.

In order to bundle their top international research on the major challenges facing humanity, the Ruhr-Universität Bochum, the TU Dortmund University and the University of Duisburg-Essen founded the Research Alliance Ruhr in 2021. Four research centres and a college have been established here.

This is the latest development in the long-standing cooperation as the University Alliance Ruhr (UA Ruhr), a community of 14,000 researchers and 110,000 students.

Learn more

In accordance with the State Equal Opportunities Act, women with the same qualifications are given referential considered.

Applications from suitable disabled persons and persons of equal status within the meaning of § 2 para. 3 SGB IX are desired.

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