Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology (LSB), Freising

PhD Student (m/f/d)

The Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich (LeibnizLSB@TUM), a legal foundation under civil law based in Freising, is a prominent member of the Leibniz Association. Our institute integrates cutting-edge biomolecular research, bioinformatics, and high-performance analytical technologies to explore the complex interactions between the human organism and food components.

To strengthen our research groups Food Biopolymer Chemistry and Mechanoreceptors we are currently looking for a committed PhD Student to start as soon as possible. The position is part-time (TV-L 13, 65%) and initially limited to 3 years.

Research Project

As part of the research project, interactions between biopolymers and between biopolymers and low-molecular compounds, e.g. interactions between plant proteins and starch, are to be elucidated by combining methods of modern, instrumental natural product analysis with biophysical techniques. To this end, methods are first to be developed and established.

Your Profile

You ideally bring the following with you:

• Excellent master's degree in food chemistry, food technology, biochemistry, biophysics or similar
• High level of self-motivation to achieve a doctorate
• Analytical, creative and solution-oriented mindset
• Strong interest in familiarising yourself with new topics and learning complementary biophysical techniques (e.g. atomic force microscopy)
• Specialist knowledge: basic knowledge of (food) chemistry, analytics, biophysics and/or microscopy
• Very good written and spoken English

We offer you

• Thorough training in your area of responsibility
• A wide range of training and development opportunities for professional and personal development
• Health promotion and work-life balance initiatives
• An appreciative, collegial working atmosphere with flat hierarchies and short decision-making processes
• An interesting and responsible area of responsibility in the context of cutting-edge non-university research
• Flexible working hours with the option of mobile working (home office)
• Company pension scheme (VBL) and annual bonus
• A motivated team that looks forward to welcoming you!

Equal Opportunities and Diversity

Leibniz-LSB@TUM is committed to equal opportunities, diversity, and a respectful working environment. We welcome applications regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic or social origin, religion or belief, disability, age, or sexual orientation and identity. Applicants with severe disabilities or those with equivalent status will be given preferential consideration in cases of essentially equal qualification (§ 2 SGB IX).

Contact and Application

For any questions on this job opportunity, please contact:

Prof. Dr. Katharina Scherf, k.scherf.leibniz-lsb(at)tum.de,

Dr. Melanie Köhler, m.koehler.leibniz-lsb(at)tum.de

Please send your application including a comprehensive CV, motivation letter and transcripts as a PDF file and stating the reference number 2025-19-S1/S2-KS/MK via email by 15.12.2025 to:

Anja Albrecht (Administration) recruiting.leibniz-lsb(at)tum.de.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Data Protection Notice:

As part of your application for a position at Leibniz-LSB@TUM, you will transmit personal data. Please refer to our data protection information in accordance with Article 13 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) regarding the collection and processing of personal data in the context of your application. By submitting your application, you confirm that you have taken note of the Leibniz-LSB@TUM data protection information.