Leibniz Institute DSMZ–German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig

Scientist as Parental Leave Replacement (m/f/d)

Topic "Cell Line Authentication"

in the Department of Human and Animal Cell Lines at the Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures GmbH. To support our team, we are looking for a committed part-time (50%) employee to cover parental leave starting May 1, 2026. The position is subject to § 21 BEEG and is limited to the duration of a thorough training period alongside the current position holder, subsequent substitution during maternity leave, and substitution during the anticipated one-year parental leave.

The Department Human and Animal Cell Lines conducts research with cell lines and hosts the DSMZ open cell lines collection. This includes quality controls and distribution of cell lines to researchers worldwide. Our collection currently harbors more than 900 established cell lines, about 700 being of human origin with a special focus on cell lines of hematologic malignancies. In cell culture, virus and mycoplasma diagnostics, as well as authentication, are an integral part of both quality control and biosafety. These techniques are routinely applied in the department and offered as external service. The DSMZ is equipped with state-of-the art instruments for microbiological, chemical, and molecular work including an own next-generation sequencing, metabolomics, and bioinformatics core facility.

Your tasks:

• Supervision of the authentication service (internal and external), including communication with and consulting of customers
• Contribute to routine tasks in the cell lines collection (characterization of cell lines)
• Active cooperation with other working groups
• Support in preliminary experimental work in the group "Viral Modulation/Genotyping” focussing on viral infections and its contribution to tumor development

Your profile:

• Ph.D. in biology or related discipline
• Ability for independent work and experience in supervision of staff personnel
• Profound expertise human genetics, cell culture and molecular biology
• Postdoctoral experience and expertise in iPSC cultivation would be a plus
• Strong communication skills, fluency in English and German and a collaborative spirit

We offer:

• Integration in a cooperative, experienced and highly motivated team
• Support by technical assistance
• Chance to gain expertise in cell line banking processes and associated quality control
• Flexible working hours
• Possibility for remote work, depending on feasibility

The Leibniz Institute DSMZ is an internationally-renowned biological resource center, research infrastructure, and service provider for academia and industry with one of the most diverse microbial collections worldwide. It is funded by the State of Lower Saxony and the German Federal government and is a member of the Leibniz Association.

The DSMZ strives to increase the proportion of female scientists and encourage female candidates specifically to apply. Disabled applicants with identical technical and personal qualification will be preferentially selected. In the case of degrees obtained abroad, proof of equivalence with a German degree must be enclosed. For further information, please refer to the website of the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB).

The DSMZ is an equal opportunity employer, supports balanced work-life career development, and holds the certificate of the audit berufundfamilie®.

Beginning: 01.05.2026

Contract length: presumably 13 months

Work hours: 50% (19,9 hours/week)

Salary: according to E13 TV-L

Complete applications (including CV, letter of motivation, research summary, copies of certificates and two reference indications) should be sent by e-mail in one single pdf document with application number 04/26 to bewerbung(at)dsmz.de. Any questions regarding the position can be addressed to Dr. Carina Jacobsen (carina.jacobsen(at)dsmz.de) or Prof. Laura Steenpaß (laura.steenpass(at)dsmz.de). The deadline for this application is March 20, 2026.