Post-Doctoral Researcher Position In Microbial Degradation Of Bioplastics

The INM research group, Bioprogrammable Materials, is looking for an enthusiastic Post-Doctoral Researcher with experience in microbial biotechnology and adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE). We combine synthetic biology, microbial engineering and sustainable materials research to develop innovative solutions for industrial and environmental challenges. We are seeking to fill a 2-year funded Post-Doctoral Researcher position as part of an Industrially-aligned European project developing sustainable biobased coatings. The role at INM focuses on identifying and ehancingmicrobes capable of degrading the polymeric coatings, thereby enabling future circularity and end-of-life strategies.

Your tasks:

• Identify microbes capable of degrading bio-based polymeric materials
• Establish screening platforms to evaluate microbial degradation performance
• Apply adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) to improve degradation efficiency and substrate utilization
• Characterize evolved strains using microbiological and molecular biology techniques
• Collaborate closely with industrial and academic project partners
• Contribute to project reporting, scientific publications and conference presentations
• Actively participate in the research activities of the group

Your profile:

We are seeking a person with a doctoral degree in biotechnology, biochemistry, microbiology or related fields, with practical experience in adaptive lab evolution. The candidate will be part of an international, multi-disciplinary team in which English is the primary language of communication and reporting. Since we work on application-oriented research, candidates with entrepreneurial interests are appreciated.

We offer:

• A 2-year E13 TV-L 100% contract.
• A dynamic, interdisciplinary, and international research environment with excellent, state-of-the-art infrastructure.
• A cooperative, friendly and supportive environment, with plenty of opportunities to interact with other researchers, also outside the team and the institute.
• The opportunity for training to support high-quality research and to further develop your profile.

Please send us the following through the online application system:

• Motivation letter
• CV (max 2 pages)
• Publication list (if available)
• Academic transcripts
• Contact details of 2 references

Submission deadline: 4th November 2026

For more information on the institute, please see: https://www.leibniz-inm.de/en/

The INM practices an open and appreciative corporate culture in which the existing diversity is promoted and lived. The institute is an equal opportunity employer with a certified family-friendly policy, and it provides offers for a better work-life balance, flextime, and mobile working. Full time jobs can be generally divided. We promote professional opportunities for women and strongly encourage them to apply. Severely disabled applicants with equal qualifications and aptitude will be given preferential consideration.