Research Assistant

The University of Kassel is a modern and growing University with round about 21.000 students. The university’s wide range of expertise covers subjects in the natural, applied, cultural and social sciences.The following position is available in the Department of Ecological Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Organic Agricultural Sciences Section of Grassland Science and Renewable Plant Resources (Prof. Dr. Michael Wachendorf), as soon as possible at the Witzenhausen site: Research Assistant (m/f/d), EG 13 TV-H, temporary, part-time (currently 26 hours per week) Application deadline: 27.11.2025 Date of hire: as soon as possible vacancy number: 38855 Part-time with 65 percent of the regular working hours of a full-time employee. The position is limited to three (3) years (qualification position according to § 72 of the HessHG in conjunction with § 2 of the WissZeitVG). The opportunity to pursue a doctorate is available. Project context: The position is part of a multidisciplinary research line on Grassland Bioeconomy Systems and Organic Food Quality, aiming to valorise grassland biomass through microbial fermentation and downstream processing. The project investigates how liquid–liquid separation and solid-phase extraction (SPE) can be used to isolate bioactive fractions from complex fermentation broths and test their effects on seed priming and early plant protection activation. Main responsibilities: Develop and optimise liquid–liquid extraction and solid-phase extraction (SPE, . C18, polymeric, ion-exchange) protocols for fractionating complex bio-fermentation liquids Characterise the obtained fractions by applying chromatographic analyses (HPLC, mass spectrometry) in combination with pH and electrical conductivity (EC) profiling to determine ionic composition and solution properties, and to correlate chemical fingerprints with biological activity Conduct seed priming and germination assays (. vigor, stress resistance, fungal challenge tests) using model species such as Lactuca sativa, Arabidopsis thaliana, or Triticum aestivum Analyse correlations between chemical composition and biological effects, identifying bioactive compound classes (organic acids, phenolics) Collaborate closely with microbiologists, chemists, and agronomists to integrate findings into the broader circular bioeconomy framework Prepare data for publication, presentations, and reporting to funding partners The position includes 2 teaching hours per week, offering opportunities for didactic experience and supervision of students Required qualifications: Completed scientific university degree in Analytical Chemistry, Food Chemistry, Biochemistry, Environmental Biotechnology, or a closely related discipline Proven laboratory experience in wet chemistry, chromatographic techniques (especially HPLC) Ability to work independently in interdisciplinary teams and to handle multi-step experiments from fermentation to bioassay Good command of English Advantageous: Demonstrated practical knowledge in mass spectrometry techniques Strong interest in biorefinery processes, natural product extraction, and sustainable agriculture Curiosity for linking chemical ecology, bioactivity, and sustainability Good command of German Ideal candidate profile: The ideal candidate is a curious, hands-on scientist who enjoys connecting chemistry and biology in applied contexts. It is motivated by transforming “waste” into function – turning complex fermentation mixtures into targeted, bioactive solutions for plants. They are meticulous with lab work but also creative in testing hypotheses that bridge bioeconomy, circularity, and plant biotechnology. In the event of any differences between the German and English versions of this call for application, the German wording is legally binding. Our Offer: As an employee of the University of Kassel you will be offered an interesting and diverse range of tasks within the framework of a modern and ambitious university, you will be part of an interdisciplinary team with a good and collegial working atmosphere, you will have the opportunity to participate in professional and interdisciplinary further education measures, is your workplace with good connections to public transport, which you can currently use free of charge. In addition, you will benefit from the advantages of employment in the public service such as: an additional company pension (VBL), an optional child supplement in accordance with TV-Hessen, a family-friendly university (including childcare for emergencies), an annual bonus an entitlement to capital-accumulation benefits, a promotion of voluntary commitment, low-cost participation in university sports and a full range of fitness activities as part of Unifit, as well as workplace health management You can find more jobs at In exceptional cases, we will also accept your application documents in paper form addressed to: The President of the University of Kassel, 34109 Kassel, Germany, or via mail to Information and FAQ about applying for a job offer: The University of Kassel is very interested in the professional satisfaction of its employees. It is distinguished as a family-friendly university and, in the interests of equal opportunities, strives to offer everyone the same opportunities for development and to counteract existing disadvantages. It promotes the Family Welcome Service and also the Dual Career Service for positions that are scientifically and academically filled. One of the strategic goals of the University of Kassel is to significantly increase the proportion of women in research and teaching. Applications from women are therefore particularly welcome. Seriously handicapped and equivalent applicants are given preference if they have the same suitability, qualifications and professional performance. Full-time positions are generally divisible (except when filling civil servant positions). Applications indicating the Position Number, which may be in digital form, should be sent to the President of the University of Kassel, 34109 Kassel, Germany quoting the applicable reference number.