Research Associate - Protein-Based Functional Materials (Project VALPROTOX)

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated researcher to join our interdisciplinary team at the Institute of Physical Chemistry within the University of Hamburg. This role centers on cutting-edge investigations in biohybrid materials, specifically focusing on the development and optimization of protein-based functional adsorber materials for advanced biomedical and biotechnological applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Production and purification of recombinant proteins using molecular biology and biochemical methods.
• Synthesis of protein-based materials under various conditions, studying how synthesis variables affect material properties and functionalities.
• Developing and standardizing robust, reproducible protocols for synthesis, including scaling up laboratory methods to larger production volumes.
• Collaborating with project partners to perform functional performance assessments and adsorption experiments.
• Analyzing experimental data to explore correlations between synthesis parameters, material characteristics, and functional outcomes.
• Integrating complementary characterization data to support material and process development efforts.
• Maintaining meticulous documentation of all experimental procedures and results.
• Enhancing and streamlining experimental workflows to improve reproducibility, robustness, and scalability.
• Engaging in collaborative work within the research group and with interdisciplinary partners, presenting findings in meetings, seminars, and international conferences.
• Preparing scientific manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication and contributing to project reports across different work packages.
• Providing mentorship to undergraduate and master’s students working on related research projects.
• Adhering to safety regulations and ethical standards, including active participation in laboratory safety training.

Candidate Profile

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Materials Science, Biotechnology, or related disciplines.
• Hands-on laboratory experience with protein chemistry and biomolecular materials.
• Proficiency in recombinant protein production and purification techniques, such as expression in E. coli and chromatographic methods like FPLC.
• Experience in preparing and optimizing functional materials, biomaterials, or similar systems is a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving aptitude with the capability to independently design and assess experiments.
• Demonstrated interest in creating scalable and reproducible synthesis workflows for protein-based materials.
• Competency in experimental data analysis and ability to synthesize insights from diverse characterization methods.
• Excellent organizational skills with precise record-keeping.
• Effective communication skills and ability to thrive in interdisciplinary teams.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken); knowledge of German language is advantageous but not required.

Opportunities and Benefits

• Competitive salary aligned with wage agreements.
• Support for continuing education and professional development.
• Eligibility to pursue a PhD at the University of Hamburg in Chemistry.
• Inclusive benefits such as university pensions, health management programs including EGYM Wellpass, and educational leave.
• Work-life balance facilitated by flexible working hours.
• 30 days of annual paid vacation.
• Work at an esteemed University of Excellence engaged in sustainable and digital transformation initiatives fostering an inclusive and diverse academic environment.

Additional Information

The University of Hamburg promotes equal opportunity and diversity among its community members regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic background, age, religion, disability, or chronic illness. Preference will be given to severely disabled candidates with identical qualifications.

Note: In accordance with Section 34a HmbHG, a background check by the state office for the protection of the constitution will be conducted on the selected candidate prior to appointment.