Research Assistant (m/f/d) in Energetics of Biological Systems

Research Assistant (m/f/d) in Energetics of Biological Systems

The lab of Jonathan Rodenfels pursues interdisciplinary research at the interface of cell and developmental biology, metabolism, biochemistry, and physical bioenergetics. We aim to understand how flows of energy and matter, along with cellular metabolism, shape the out-of-equilibrium behavior of biological systems such as biochemical networks, cells, and developing organisms. We aim to quantify the overall energetics of living systems and to understand how cells and organisms transform and partition energy among the complex array of cellular processes necessary for life at any scale, from isolated biochemical networks to quiescent and highly proliferative cells to organismal growth and development.

Main responsibilities

The lab seeks an experimental Research Assistant to support ongoing work on the energetics and metabolism of multicellular growth using the model system Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), with the goal of gaining a quantitative understanding of the energetic costs and constraints of multicellular growth.

As a member of the Rodenfels Lab, your tasks will support ongoing experimental work and may evolve with the project. Responsibilities initially include the following:

• Culturing and propagating C. elegans.
• Establishing and maintaining experimental reagents, culture media, and cryostocks,
• Designing and performing metabolic screening assays
• Sample collection, preparation, and biochemical analysis
• Data documentation and preliminary analysis

Essential Qualifications

• Completed university degree (BSc/MSc) in a relevant field or equivalent laboratory training (e.g. Technical Assistant) with relevant experience.
• Hands-on experience in sterile and semi-sterile environments and careful basic molecular biology, biochemistry, and microbiology work.
• Basic skills in data analysis and documentation.
• Motivated to work collaboratively in an international research environment.
• Well-organized and dependable, with a sense of ownership for laboratory processes.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.

Desirable Qualities

• Experience in work with the model system C.elegans.
• Experience in conducting and analysing biochemical screening assays.

Our offer

Become part of an exciting, ongoing interdisciplinary research project in an environment that values rigorous experimental practice, intellectual curiosity, and personal and scientific growth. You will gain valuable full-time research experience, building individual skills and broader professional networks to advance your developing scientific career. In addition, you can expect:

• Salary and social benefits according to the German public service pay scale (TVöD Bund), commensurate with qualification and experience, up to EG 9A.
• Attractive pension plan via VBL (Federal and State Government Employees' Retirement Fund);
• Support for a positive work-life balance, including proactive health programs and assistance with family/childcare matters.

The project-related position is available as of 1 April 2026 and limited for 1 year.

For enquiries regarding specifics of the position, please contact Jonathan Rodenfels via rodenfels@mpi-cbg.de. For initial enquiries regarding contract or compensation, please contact Brian von Rueden, Head of Human Resources, via hr@mpi-cbg.de.

Your Application

We encourage you to submit your complete application by 27.03.2026 via our online application system, stating 2026-Research Assistant-Energetics-2430. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

The following materials should be included:

• Cover letter indicating motivation to join the Rodenfels lab
• CV (including publications if applicable)
• Academic and professional certificates
• Contact details of at least two references

Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics
Pfotenhauerstr. 108
01307 Dresden
Germany
http://www.mpi-cbg.de

• The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, regardless of gender, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, age, and other components of identity.
• The Max Planck Society specifically aims to increase the proportion of women in the areas in which they are underrepresented. We therefore explicitly invite women to apply.
• The Max Planck Society is further committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals.
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