Research Associate (Biorefinery and Bioactive Compounds) | Wissenschaftliche:r Mitarbeiter:in (m/w/d), EG 13 TV-H

Job Summary

This fixed-term, part-time (65%) Research Associate position is integral to a multidisciplinary research initiative focusing on grassland bioeconomy systems and ecological food quality. The primary objective is to valorize grassland biomass by developing and optimizing advanced separation techniques, specifically Liquid-Liquid Extraction and Solid-Phase Extraction (SPE), to isolate bioactive fractions from complex microbial fermentation liquids. Day-to-day tasks involve rigorous laboratory work, including characterizing fractions using chromatographic analyses (HPLC, Mass Spectrometry) and correlating chemical fingerprints with biological activity via seed priming and germination tests using model plant species. The role requires strong analytical skills to identify key bioactive compound classes, such as organic acids and phenols. The associate must collaborate closely with chemists, microbiologists, and agricultural scientists to integrate findings into the broader circular bioeconomy framework. Furthermore, the position includes preparing data for publications and reports, and involves 2 semester hours per week of teaching, offering opportunities for didactic development and student supervision. The ideal candidate is a curious, practice-oriented junior scientist motivated to transform complex fermentation mixtures into functional, bioactive solutions for sustainable agriculture.