ZMBH - Open Positions

Scientific Job Openings

Tenure Track Professorship (W1 with Tenure Track to W3) in “Molecular Biology” (f/m/d)

to be filled at the earliest possible date.

The ZMBH conducts fundamental research in modern molecular biology. We seek an outstanding scientist whose research complements and expands our existing strengths.

The candidate should demonstrate a strong record of scientific excellence, reflected in outstanding publications and international recognition. Applicants are expected to submit a compelling research proposal with the potential to establish a successful independent career and secure competitive external funding. The successful candidate will be a member of the Faculty of Biosciences. We offer a full salary package (W1 level), core funding for a small research team, and a start-up grant for equipment.

Heidelberg University is an internationally highly recognized institution for fundamental research and teaching. The Center for Molecular Biology of Heidelberg University (ZMBH) is a renowned international research center specializing in fundamental research in molecular and cell biology. Located on one of the largest life science campuses in Europe, the ZMBH hosts up to 15 independent research groups. We offer an outstanding international research environment, enriched by numerous university institutes and research centers. Our facilities include state-of-the-art scientific core services such as protein analytics (including mass spectrometry), advanced light microscopy, and flow cytometry, as well as a mechanical workshop and centralized administrative support. Our faculty is an integral part of research networks such as the excellence clusters “SynthImmune”, and “3D Matter Made to Order”, the Carl Zeiss Center for Synthetic Genomics and several CRCs. Further details of our research, teaching programs, and scientific facilities, are available on our website https://www.zmbh.uni-heidelberg.de, https://www.cctp.uni-heidelberg.de/en/core-facilities-and-technology-development and https://www.uni-heidelberg.de/en/institutions/research-institutions/collaborative-research-centres

The Tenure Track Professorship (junior professorship, salary grade W1) will usually be limited to six years and, following a positive tenure evaluation, will be converted to a permanent full professorship (salary grade W3).

The professorship is a temporary qualification position. In accordance with Article 51 (Higher Education Act of the state Baden-Württemberg), this appointment requires a completed degree, an excellent doctorate, and pedagogical aptitude which has generally been proven through teaching experience. If you spent time employed as a research assistant (before or after your doctorate), this employment and the period of your doctoral studies combined should not exceed six years.

Your application should include a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, a list of current research support, a summary of teaching experience, a research summary, and a forward-looking research proposal. Applications should be addressed to Prof. Dr. Elmar Schiebel, Head of ZMBH, and sent no later than 18.01.2026 by e-mail to: office-director@zmbh.uni-heidelberg.de.

Heidelberg University stands for equal opportunities and diversity. Qualified female candidates are especially invited to apply. Persons with severe disabilities will be given preference if they are equally qualified. Information on job advertisements and the collection of personal data is available at www.uni-heidelberg.de/en/job-market.

For a collaborative project within the Cluster of Excellence 3D Materials Made to Order (3DMM2O). Our cluster combines the competencies of two Universities of Excellence, Heidelberg University and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, to advance 3D Additive Manufacturing to the next level. 

Xolography offers a powerful new approach for fabricating in vitro vascularized tissue models. Unlike traditional layer-by-layer bioprinting, xolographic biofabrication enables true volumetric printing by intersecting light fields to generate entire 3D constructs within seconds. This rapid, contact-free process minimizes mechanical stress on encapsulated cells and allows the creation of intricate, perfusable vascular networks with high spatial resolution. Developing reliable vascularized tissue models is essential for advancing tissue engineering, disease modelling, and drug testing, as vascularization is key to maintaining cell viability and mimicking physiological function.

The Duarte Campos Lab investigates biofabrication technologies and biomaterials to engineer tissues and organs, and to understand their effects on the structure and function of living systems.

Your tasks will be to develop and characterize a vascularized in vitro tissue model. The work will involve a variety of techniques including but not limited to:

• natural and synthetic bioink preparation and handling; 
• 2D and 3D cell culture of primary human cells and cell lines 
• Xolographic fabrication of in vitro tissue models, including refining of printing parameters 
• Tune bioink stiffness and measure it with a nanoindenter 
• histological and immunofluorescence staining, two-photon imaging, qPCR 

Your profile:

• Master degree in Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Bioengineering or related disciplines

• Previous experience in hydrogel handling, 3D (bio)printing, microscopy, cell culture, and/or microfluidic systems are preferred

• Excellent achievements and English skills

• Motivation to work in an international environment as part of a team

 We offer an international and attractive work environment within the Duarte Campos Lab at the ZMBH and, as member of the 3DMM2O, you will have full access to modern state of-the-art infrastructure both at Heidelberg University and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. The salary is based on TV-L scale (E13). The position is to be filled with 29,625 hours/week (75%) for two years, with the possibility of extension. The position is available to start in April 2026.

Applications should be sent to Prof. Daniela Duarte Campos (dcampos@uni-heidelberg.de) in one  single PDF-file that includes a letter of motivation, CV, copy of transcripts and name of 2-3 referees. We ask for your understanding that application documents received by post will not be returned.

Closing date for applications: November 28, 2025

Heidelberg University stands for equal opportunities and diversity. Qualified female candidates are especially invited to apply. Disabled persons will be given preference if they are equally qualified. Information on the application process and the collection of personal data is available at www.uni-heidelberg.de/stellenmarkt.

Master Available “Centriole Duplication”

ZMBH, Heidelberg University

Are you passionate about cell biology and eager to explore the fascinating world of centrioles? Prof. Elmar Schiebel at the Centre for Molecular Biology (ZMBH) at Heidelberg University invites applications for a Master position focusing on centriole duplication.

About the Position:
The successful candidate will join Prof. Elmar Schiebel’s research group, renowned for its work on gamma-tubulin, centrioles and centrosome function. This Master project will investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying centriole duplication. The research will combine advanced microscopy techniques, biochemistry, and genetic tools to unravel the complexities of centriole assembly and function. The Master student will be supported by a Hiwi contract of ca. 500 € per months.

How to Apply:
Interested candidates should send their application, including a CV, cover letter, and contact information for two references, to Prof. Elmar Schiebel at schiebel.elmar@zmbh.uni-heidelberg.de.

Relevant recent publications:
1          Liu, P. et al. Insights into the assembly and activation of the microtubule nucleator gamma-TuRC. Nature 578, 467-471 (2020). https://doi.org:10.1038/s41586-019-1896-6
2          Würtz, M. et al. Modular assembly of the principal microtubule nucleator γ-TuRC. Nat Comm 473, doi: 10.1038/s41467-41022-28079-41460 (2022).
3          Karasu, O. R., Neuner, A., Atorino, E. S., Pereira, G. & Schiebel, E. The central scaffold protein CEP350 coordinates centriole length, stability, and maturation. J Cell Biol 221 (2022). https://doi.org:10.1083/jcb.202203081
4          Gao, Q. et al. The structure of the gamma-TuRC at the microtubule minus end - not just one solution. Bioessays, e2400117 (2024). https://doi.org:10.1002/bies.202400117
5          Vermeulen, B. J. et al. gamma-TuRC asymmetry induces local protofilament mismatch at the RanGTP-stimulated microtubule minus end. EMBO J (2024). https://doi.org:10.1038/s44318-024-00087-4

PhD position: “Mechanisms of gene regulation in mammalian Chromatin”

Centre for Molecular Biology (ZMBH), Heidelberg University

Each cell in our body needs to control the expression of tissue-specific genes as well as a core set of essential genes. Despite their ubiquitous requirement, these common essential genes (CEGs) need to be precisely controlled, with misregulation associated with disease. To ensure robust expression, it has been commonly thought that CEGs are redundantly and cooperatively regulated by transcription factors (TFs). However, our work has demonstrated that they can be dominantly controlled by individual master TFs that organize chromatin and activate genes.
In the Grand Lab, we dissect the regulatory principles that control the expression of CEGs in different cell types, and explore the implications of misregulation in development and disease. Particularly, we are interested in how TFs and cofactors generate specificity in gene regulation in the context of mammalian chromatin. We use mouse and human cells as models and combine state-of-the-art genome engineering, rapid perturbation methods, and synthetic biology with multi-omics profiling, quantitative readouts, and computational biology to define the rules that govern CEG expression.
We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated PhD candidate with a background in genetics/ molecular biology/ computational biology/ biochemistry for a fully funded (initially for 3 years) position. The precise direction of the project will be defined together with the successful candidate. Successful applicants will join an international team of PhD students and postdoctoral researchers working at the forefront of biomedical research. The selected PhD student will be part of the Heidelberg Biosciences International Graduate School (HBIGS) (http://www.hbigs.uni-heidelberg.de/)

This PhD position is funded in the first instance for 3 years with a starting date based on mutual agreement. The remuneration is based on TV-L E13.

Research environment: Heidelberg University is one of the leading life science universities in Europe, with access to world-leading facilities and proximity to institutes such as the DKFZ and EMBL, providing a vibrant and collaborative environment.

Deadline for application: October 31st, 2025

Starting Date: Beginning 2026

The application must include: 1) Cover letter 2) Curriculum vitae with reference contacts 3) List of publications (if applicable)

Please send applications to R. Grand  r.grand@zmbh.uni-heidelberg.de.

Relevant recent publications:
1. Grand, R.S.#, M. Pregnolato#, et al. 2024. Genome access is transcription factors specific and defined by nucleosome position. Molecular Cell. DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2024.08.009.
2. Isbel, L., et al. 2022. Generating specificity in genome regulation through transcription factor sensitivity to chromatin. Nature Reviews Genetics.DOI: 10.1038/s41576-022-00512-6.
3. Grand, R.S.#, L. Burger#, et al. 2021. BANP opens chromatin and activates CpG-island-regulated gene. Nature. .DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03689-8.

Non-Scientific Job Openings

Additional positions for research assistants and non-scientific personnel are also regularly published on the pages of the University's central job market:

Central job market of the University