Job Offer from October 29, 2025
A doctoral and a postdoctoral position in computational biology / biomathematics / biosystems engineering are available in Steffen Klamt’s group Analysis and Redesign of Biological Networks at the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems in Magdeburg (Germany). Our group develops computational methods and tools for analyzing and redesigning the microbial metabolism, with applications in metabolic engineering and bioprocess optimization.
Your tasks
For two interdisciplinary research projects in the field of computer-aided metabolic engineering, we are seeking a talented doctoral student and a postdoctoral researcher. Your responsibilities will include:
- Building stoichiometric / kinetic metabolic models of selected microorganisms.
- Applying various computational methods to analyze these models and identify suitable intervention strategies maximizing the synthesis of specific products.
- Using experimental data to improve the models and to support an iterative design-build-test-learn cycle.
- Integrating concepts from bioprocess optimization with metabolic engineering strategies.
Your qualification
The candidates should have an excellent degree and/ or experience in at least one of the following fields:
- Computational biology
- Systems biology
- Biomathematics
- Biosystems and metabolic engineering
- Bioprocess engineering
Experience in the following areas is particularly advantageous:
- Mathematical and kinetic modeling of metabolic networks
- Mathematical optimization (linear and mixed-integer (non-)linear programming)
- Programming experience in MATLAB and/or Python
- Model-driven strain design and metabolic engineering
- Bioprocess and biosystems engineering
We offer
- Fixed-term employment contract in the public sector (German TVöD E13)
- Working in a creative and inspiring atmosphere
- Opportunities for networking with international partners
- Research with state of the art equipment
- Compatibility of family, career and caring for relatives through flexible working hours and appropriate conditions
- Health-promoting and health-maintaining measures as part of our occupational health management
The Max Planck Society is committed to equal opportunities, gender equality, and diversity. What counts for us are your qualifications, professional strengths, and the candidates’ attitude. We, therefore, welcome all applications regardless of gender, cultural or social background, disability, religion, age, lifestyle, ideology or sexual identity.
Increasing the proportion of women in areas where women are underrepresented is a primary goal of the Max Planck Society. We are therefore particularly interested in applications from qualified women and expressly encourage them to apply.
The Max Planck Society has set itself the goal of employing more severely disabled individuals. Severely disabled persons and persons of equal status will be given special consideration if they are equally qualified. Applications from individuals with severe disabilities are, therefore, expressly encouraged.
Your application
Applicants will be assessed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Please apply via this link to our online application portal to upload your personal application documents as one single PDF (max. 8 MB):
- Letter of motivation
- Curriculum Vitae
- Academic certificates
- Brief description of scientific achievements (if applicable),
- letters of recommendation (if available)
Contact person for further information on the call: Dr. Ing. Steffen Klamt