Job Code: 20-25
Job Offer from June 25, 2025
The Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences is a leading international research institute of exceptional scientific breadth. With more than 40 research groups and some 1,000 employees from over 50 nations, it is the largest institute of the Max Planck Society.
The Research Group for Sustainable Biocatalysis (Dr. Andreas M. Küffner) is inviting applications for a
PhD Student (f/m/x)
for the project:
Bioengineering of a promiscuous methanogen hydrogenase for synthesizing renewable organics
Project description
Hydrogenotrophic methanogens grow on H2 and CO2 at the edge of the thermodynamic limit. These archaea depend on a set of unique enzymes to catalyse the reactions in the reductive acetyl-CoA pathway. Notably, among these enzymes is a highly promiscuous hydrogenase which we aim to evolve for high stereospecificity for producing valuable organic compounds.
Your profile
Eligible candidates have strong skills in (bio-)chemistry, biocatalysis, and microbial engineering and have great interest in interdisciplinary research with an eagerness to learn and develop new approaches. Candidates should hold a Masters or equivalent degree in (Bio-)Chemistry, Biology, or any related field.
What we offer
We are a young and dynamic group with a strong focus on collaboration and mutual inspiration. The laboratory has state of the art biochemistry and molecular biology equipment. Additionally, there is a wide range of world-class facilities available for a plethora of analysis methods. The MPI offers programs for balancing work and family life as well as further training opportunities and free in-house language courses. The historic city of Göttingen, located in the heart of Germany, offers great outdoors and cultural opportunities, a vibrant student scene, and an impressive scientific heritage.
Position details
The payment and benefits are based on the wage agreement for public service personnel guidelines (TVöD Bund).
The position is limited to three years with a possibility of extension.
The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. The Max Planck Society strives for gender and diversity equality. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.
Application procedure
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Please submit your application including a cover letter (explaining background and motivation), a CV and transcripts (translated to English or German, if applicable) preferably via e-mail and as a single PDF file to:
ausschreibung20-25@mpinat.mpg.de
Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences
Research Group for Sustainable Biocatalysis
Dr. Andreas M. Küffner
Am Faßberg 11
37077 Göttingen
Germany