Research Associate (m/f/d) at the Institute of Technical Microbiology

Research Associate (m/f/d)

Institute for Technical Microbiology

Remuneration EG 13 TV-L

ID 27926WV7

Start of employment 01.01.2027

Application deadline 19.11.2026

Scope full time; fixed-term employment until 30.06.2028

The Institute of Technical Microbiology is an open and international institute. Together with one technician, around 20 scientific staff members, and a changing group of students, we conduct research and teaching in the fields of sustainable biotechnology, bio-based resources, and microbial wastewater treatment.
The position is part of the collaborative project FLAIR, in which waste from food production and carbon dioxide from biogas are converted into functional materials. Our institute develops the gas fermentation step, where Cupriavidus necator produces the platform chemical 2,3-butanediol (2,3-BDO) in membrane biofilm reactors. The successful candidate takes responsibility for these experiments, from laboratory reactors to operation at pilot scale with our industrial partners, in close exchange with the colleague responsible for strain development.
We place particular importance on involving all team members in the various workflows and decision-making processes, and on fostering a collegial, respectful, and supportive working environment.

YOUR TASKS

• Experimental development and optimization of autotrophic and mixotrophic gas fermentation with Cupriavidus necator
• Design, setup, and commissioning of membrane biofilm reactors including gas mixing, dosing, and process control under sterile conditions
• Continuous and long-term operation of the reactors with real raw biogas
• Process and product analysis (HPLC, GC-FID/-TCD) and mass and energy balancing

YOUR PROFILE

Requirements

• Completed scientific university studies (masters degree or equivalent), in particular in the subject Bioprocess/Bio-/Environmental Engineering or Biotechnology

Desired knowledge and personal skills

• Excellent written and verbal English skills required
• Experience with bioreactor cultivation and continuous bioprocesses
• Sound practice in microbiological methods, particularly working under sterile conditions
• Experience with autotrophic and heterotrophic cultivation, ideally in gas fermentation
• Hands-on skills in analytical methods for relevant liquid and gas analysis

OUR OFFER

• Opportunity to further academic career beyond core duties
• Interesting, friendly and appreciative working environment
• Intensive induction/ onboarding
• Flexible and family-friendly working conditions
• 30 day vacation per year(5-days a week)
• Internal offers for health promotion and special conditions in gyms

At the heart of TU Hamburg’s research, teaching and transfer of technology is the guiding principle of developing technology for people. The TU Hamburg sees itself in this context as a family-friendly and sustainable university with high performance and quality standards that strives for excellence in all its research fields. Interdisciplinarity, innovation, regionality and internationality are binding principles in our actions.
With currently around 8.000 students, 110 professors and 1.650 employees, the TU Hamburg is characterised by short decision-making processes and close cooperation between the board, the institutes, the deans of studies, the research areas and the administration. We identify ourselves with a modern leadership culture and cultivate appreciative interaction.

Note regarding the Standard Enquiry under Section 34a of the Hamburg Security Clearance Act:
The department will submit an enquiry to the State Office for the Protection of the Constitution regarding any information it holds on the person selected in the recruitment process, provided that the legal requirements are met (information on the Standard Inquiry and data protection notices).

For further information please contact Lukas Kneuer, Tel.-Nr. +49 40 30601 3963,
Email: lukas.kneuer@tuhh.de.

We value diversity, therefore all applications are welcome, regardless of gender, gender identity, ethnic origin, nationality, age, religion and belief, disability, sexual orientation and identity or social background.
The TU Hamburg stands for equal opportunities as well as appreciative and respectful cooperation.
Notice for severely disabled persons and people with equal status.

Please send your complete application documents (cover letter, curriculum vitae in table form, proof of completed training and/or university degree, job references or certificates of employment) via the online application system exclusively.

Online application