Posted on: July 8, 2026

The Cluster for Nucleic Acid Sciences and Technologies – NUCLEATE invites applications for

PhD or Postdoctoral Researchers (f/m/d) at the NUCLEATE Excellence Cluster

University of Würzburg, Germany

The Cluster for Nucleic Acid Sciences and Technologies – NUCLEATE is a joint research network spanning the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, the Technische Universität München, and the Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg and is funded as a new DFG (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft) Excellence Cluster since 2026.

The NUCLEATE Cluster unites outstanding research on nucleic acids (RNA/DNA) and associated protein complexes in all its dimensions: from basic research on cellular functions of nucleic acids to novel nucleic acid-based technologies and medicine. It connects researchers across disciplines and locations, forming an internationally visible research center (www.nucleate-cluster.de).

We are recruiting an international group of PhD candidates or postdoctoral researchers eager to join this exciting program at the Würzburg site. For further information on the research topics of the individual groups in Würzburg, please see the PI profiles on our website: www.nucleate-cluster.de/about/. An international spirit, active networking and scientific excellence are main features of the NUCLEATE Cluster.

You will be part of an interdisciplinary team of international scientists providing guidance and support. Structured mentoring and training, as well as opportunities to present your work at international conferences will serve as an ideal preparation for careers in academia or industry, as entrepreneurs or as policy makers in the broader area of nucleic acid research.

We invite applications from outstanding students of all nationalities dedicated to becoming part of the NUCLEATE Cluster. Applicants for a PhD position are expected to hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in the life sciences, chemistry, medicine, pharmaceutical sciences, bioinformatics, biotechnology or a related discipline. For a postdoctoral position applicants are expected to additionally hold a doctoral degree in one of these fields.

Applications must be submitted in English preferably by email as one single PDF file to nucleate-cluster@uni-wuerzburg.de

Please Include

Cover letter including a brief statement on your two preferred NUCLEATE laboratories in Würzburg and the rationale behind CV Contact information of two academic references Relevant certificates List of publications (if applicable)

The application deadline for this call is August 16th, 2026.

We welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of race, gender, or disability. The University aims to increase the proportion of female employees. Thus, applications from qualified women are particularly welcome. Preference will be given to severely handicapped people in case of otherwise equal aptitude. Salary is based on the pay scale for the public sector (TV-L).

Informal inquiries about the advertised positions may be directed to the local NUCLEATE coordinator Dr. Inka Busack (inka.busack@uni-wuerzburg.de).

We look forward to receiving your application.

NUCLEATE Office

c/o Chair of Molecular Infection Biology II (Prof. Cynthia Sharma)

Institute of Molecular Infection Biology

Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg

Josef-Schneider-Str. 2 / D15

97080 Würzburg

Germany

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