The Department of Bioorganic Chemistry is looking for applicants for the position of
Technical Assistant (m/f/d) or Laboratory Technician (m/f/d) for Bioactivity Screenings of Active Ingredients (m/f/d) (8/2026)
2026-08-07
Your area of responsibility
Research Topic or Information on the Research Group/Department:
Bioactivity testing forms the basis for understanding the effects of natural products and chemical substances on humans and the environment, and thus also serves as the foundation for the development of active ingredients for medicine and plant protection.
As a technical assistant/laboratory technician (m/f/d), you will support a third-party-funded research project within the “Targeting and Screening” project group of the Department of Natural and Medicinal Chemistry (NWC) at the IPB.
Your responsibilities will be diverse and varied:
- Sample preparation and testing/screening of natural products and other test substances in cell-based (bacteria, fungi, human cells, etc.) and nematode assays
- Collection of measurement data and, where applicable, assistance with data analysis
- Conscientious documentation of experimental work and measurement results (electronic lab notebook, databases, retained samples)
- Supporting researchers in establishing and optimizing assay protocols
- Providing practical guidance (in your field) to new hires, students, and trainees
- Ensuring the routine operational readiness and functionality of the screening laboratories
Your profile
- Degree as a PTA, BTA, MTA, CTA, or a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, chemistry, pharmacy, or biology
- Knowledge of microbial (bacteria or fungi) or eukaryotic cell culture and related cell-based assays/screenings is required
- Additional knowledge, particularly in microscopy, RT-qPCR, and Western blotting, is a plus
- Knowledge in one or more of the following areas would be a particular plus: HPLC, DC, MS, NMR, optical spectroscopy, laboratory plant culture, pipetting, storage, and autosampler robots; a basic understanding of chemical structural formulas; and familiarity with specialized software (e.g., GraphPad Prism, ChemDraw, or similar)
- Enthusiasm and interest in conducting experimental work according to standard operating procedures (SOPs), as well as in establishing and optimizing new measurement methods and protocols
- Communicative and solution-oriented approach
- Independent, organized, and meticulous work style
- Proficiency in Excel and Word or similar programs is an advantage
- Very good language skills in German or English, although English proficiency must be at least acceptable in all cases.
- Willingness to work in an international and multidisciplinary team
We offer
- Modern Working Conditions: Comprehensive introduction to work techniques and a modern research environment with state-of-the-art equipment and up-to-date software
- Career Development: Targeted training opportunities and access to a specialized library with electronic resources and quiet workspaces
- Compensation & Security: Classification according to TV-L including annual bonus, pension scheme (VBL), health offers, and discounted canteen meals
- Ideal Working Environment: A varied and inspiring workplace in an international setting at a leading scientific and innovation hub
- Team Spirit and Leadership Culture: An open culture that strengthens teamwork, enables career networking, and promotes your research skills.
- Work-Life Balance: Flexible working models, remote work options, and 30 days of annual leave – for a balanced work-life experience.
Our benefits
Comprehensive introduction to work techniques and a modern research environment with state-of-the-art equipment and up-to-date software
Targeted training opportunities and access to a specialized library with electronic resources and quiet workspaces
Classification according to TV-L including annual bonus, pension scheme (VBL), health offers, and discounted canteen meals
A varied and inspiring workplace in an international setting at a leading scientific and innovation hub
An open culture that strengthens teamwork, enables career networking, and promotes your research skills.
Flexible working models, remote work options, and 30 days of annual leave – for a balanced work-life experience.
About us
The Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry (IPB) is a non-university research institution of the Leibniz Association on the Weinberg Campus of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg. As a foundation under public law, the IPB is under direct supervision of the state of Saxony-Anhalt.
The IPB is an internationally recognized research institution and consists of four scientific Departments, additional independent junior research groups, and the Department Administration & Infrastructure (about 200 employees, including about 40 PhD students). Research at the IPB aims to understand the (bio)chemical basis of plant resilience and performance in challenging environments related to climate change. The IPB offers excellent research facilities and state-of-the-art infrastructure to investigate the chemical diversity, biochemical interactions, and biological roles of small natural molecules in plants and fungi, with an emphasis on specialized metabolites, chemical mediators, and relevant molecular networks of functional gene and protein regulation (https://www.ipb-halle.de/en/).
Contact person
Dr. Robert RennertResearch Associate
Telefon: 0345 5582 1361
Robert.Rennert@ipb-halle.de
Leibniz-Institut für Pflanzenbiochemie (IPB)
Weinberg 3
06120 Halle (Saale)
The Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry is committed to equal opportunities, diversity and promoting a healthy work-life balance, and has been awarded the "Total E-Quality" rating for its efforts in this area. The IPB is also a member of the nationwide "Success Factor Family" corporate network and the Diversity Charter. Applications from severely disabled persons or applicants of equivalent status are expressly welcome. Further information on family friendliness, equal opportunities and diversity can be found at: www.ipb-halle.de/institut
