Prospective Independent Research Group Leaders (m/f/d)

The Department of Biology at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) (https://www.biologie.nat.fau.de) invites expressions of interest from outstanding early-career researchers who intend to establish an externally funded independent research group in Erlangen.

We welcome applicants with an excellent scientific track record, an innovative research vision, and a competitive profile for funding programs such as the DFG Emmy Noether Program, the ERC Starting Grant scheme, or comparable national and international programs. Researchers pursuing experimental, computational, or theoretical approaches are encouraged to apply.

Research profile

The Department of Biology covers a broad spectrum of modern biological research, including molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, computational biology, microbiology, immunology, neurobiology, developmental biology, plant sciences, and pharmaceutical biology.

We particularly welcome research projects that complement and strengthen the Department’s profile in one or more of the following areas:

• Theoretical and computational biophysics, particularly biomembrane research, molecular simulations, multiscale modeling, quantitative cell biology, and AI-based approaches to protein structure, dynamics, design, and function;
• Immunology, with a focus on the molecular, cellular, and biophysical mechanisms of immune regulation, immune-cell signaling, and host-pathogen interactions;
• Developmental biology, including molecular, cellular, and biophysical mechanisms governing cell fate, tissue organization, morphogenesis, and regeneration;
• Molecular plant physiology, particularly plant signaling, metabolism, stress responses, membrane transport, and plant-environment interactions;
• Pharmaceutical biology, including the discovery, characterization, and development of biologically active compounds, molecular targets, and innovative therapeutic strategies;
• Plant cell biology, with a focus on investigating cellular process driving morphogenesis and development using advanced microscopy, molecular genetics, biochemistry and biophysics.

Support for successful candidates

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to present their research and participate in interviews.

Following a positive evaluation, selected candidates will receive institutional support in preparing applications for competitive external funding schemes, such as ERC Starting Grants, Emmy Noether Groups, or comparable national and international programs. Successful candidates will be offered access to laboratory and office space as well as relevant research infrastructure, and substantial financial support. Group leaders will benefit from:

• a scientifically diverse and collaborative research environment;
• close interaction with established research groups at the Department of Biology;
• opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across FAU, the Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, the Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Light, and the Universitätsklinikum Erlangen;
• access to central research facilities and technology platforms, among them the Erlangen National High-Performance Computing Center (NHR@FAU) and the Optical Imaging Center Erlangen (OICE)
• scientific independence, mentoring, and support in establishing their research group;
• integration into graduate programs and collaborative research initiatives.

The specific hosting arrangements and infrastructure requirements will be agreed with the candidate before submission of the funding application.

Please note that this call does not constitute an offer of an internally funded position. The establishment of the research group and the group leader’s appointment are contingent upon the successful acquisition of external funding.

Research environment

FAU is one of Germany’s leading research universities and offers an exceptionally broad interdisciplinary environment. The Department of Biology is part of the Faculty of Sciences and maintains strong links with physics, chemistry, medicine, engineering, mathematics, and computer science.

Its research spans multiple organizational levels – from molecules and membranes to cells, tissues, organisms, and ecosystems. A particular strength of the Department lies in combining experimental biology with quantitative, biophysical, and computational approaches.

Application

Applications should be submitted as a single PDF document and include:

• a cover letter;
• a curriculum vitae;
• a list of publications;
• a one-page summary of previous scientific achievements;
• max two-page research plan;
• the names and contact details of at least two potential referees.

Applications should be sent by email to:

Prof. Dr. Rainer Böckmann
Spokesperson, Department of Biology
Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU)
rainer.boeckmann@fau.de

Applications may be submitted at any time and will be reviewed periodically on a rolling basis. The call will remain open until suitable candidates have been identified and the available hosting opportunities have been filled.

FAU is committed to equal opportunities, diversity, and inclusion. The University aims to increase the proportion of women in areas in which they are underrepresented and therefore expressly encourages qualified women to apply. Applications from researchers from all backgrounds are welcome.

Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration in cases of otherwise equal suitability, qualifications, and professional performance.