Professorship in Structural Cell Biology

Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin is one of the largest university hospitals in Europe. Here, doctors and scientists conduct research, treat patients, and teach at the highest international level. Charité is the joint medical faculty of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and is recognized worldwide as an excellent educational institution. Charité is spread across a total of four locations with around 100 clinics and institutes, which are grouped into 17 CharitéCentres. Charité has received the berufundfamilie® (work and family) audit certificate® and the familiengerechte Hochschule® (family-friendly university) audit certificate.

The Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) is committed to excellence in basic research and scientific training in the field of molecular pharmacology. Its goal is to sustainably expand the molecular basis of pharmacological therapies in the early stages of drug development by identifying and characterizing novel active substances and mechanisms of action, as well as disseminating the acquired knowledge to the scientific community and the general public. The FMP is located on the Berlin-Buch campus. Its scientists collaborate closely with other Berlin institutions such as the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) and Charité. The FMP has received the berufundfamilie® audit certificate.

The following position is to be filled at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin and the Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) at the earliest possible date:

Professorship in Structural Cell Biology

Salary grade W3 BBesG ÜfBE – tenured

Reference number: Prof. 691/2026

The position is preferably to be filled as a professor under the Jülich model on a salaried basis in accordance with Section 102(5) of the Berlin Higher Education Act (BerlHG). In accordance with the “Jülich model”, the future holder of the position will be appointed as a full professor at Charité – Universitätsmedizin and granted permanent leave to work at the FMP. Teaching obligations are governed by the Teaching Obligation Ordinance for Berlin Universities (LVVO). The teaching load is two hours per week per semester.

We are looking for an integrative personality with scientific excellence and international recognition in the field of structural cell biology who investigates physiologically relevant questions related to human diseases. The research focus should be in line with the FMP's goal of better understanding the fundamentals of cell function and identifying potential targets for the development of new drugs.

A central approach to elucidating cell biology questions should be the investigation of the ultrastructure of intracellular organelles and/or supramolecular assemblies. The successful candidate should have a deep understanding of the complex structures and functions of cell organelles and/or supramolecular assemblies and develop innovative approaches to investigate these structures. Methodologically, the focus should be on the application of modern microscopy techniques, in particular electron microscopy (e.g., correlative light and electron microscopy using FIB-SEM) and cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET), in order to visualize the three-dimensional architecture and dynamics of intracellular structures at the molecular level. Integrative methodological approaches for the investigation of ultrastructures, e.g., through the combination of imaging techniques, crosslinking mass spectrometry, and computational modeling, may also be part of the research spectrum or future research plans.

Applicants should have a proven track record of publications and third-party funding acquisition and be able to offer teaching. Experience in leading a scientific research group is expected.

The position will be integrated into a highly collaborative and dynamic scientific environment. In addition to access to facilities for high-resolution light and electron microscopy and cryo-electron microscopy on the Berlin-Buch campus, the FMP offers the successful applicant access to other outstanding infrastructure, including state-of-theart NMR and mass spectrometry facilities, as well as a platform for screening active substances.

The research activities of the position are linked to the FMP and include the management of a research unit there. Furthermore, management skills, organizational expertise, teamwork skills, and social skills are required. This includes a strategy for promoting topics, methods, and personnel.

Requirements for appointment: In accordance with § 100 BerlHG, a successfully completed university degree in life sciences/natural sciences/engineering or a comparable university degree and a completed doctorate, as well as a professorship or junior professorship or habilitation and teaching authorization or additional scientific achievements.

In addition to the above requirements, the professorship is subject to the following requirements:

• Original (independent) research portfolio in the field of molecular pharmacology or cell biology, demonstrated by relevant publications and successful acquisition of third-party funding projects
• Excellent international reputation, e.g., membership in committees of national and international professional associations
• Extensive teaching experience and excellent didactic skills
• Management skills in the successful economic management and personnel leadership of a corresponding area of responsibility

Applicants must demonstrate through their previous scientific work that they meet the above expectations for the W3 professorship, that they will further develop the scientific activities in the field of molecular pharmacology or cell biology in terms of content and structure, and complement the existing research activities in these areas at Charité and FMP.

In addition to the official duties arising in particular from § 99 BerlHG, the following expectations are also placed on applicants:

• Further development of the fields of molecular pharmacology and cell biology
• Integration into relevant research priorities and research networks at Charité and into interdisciplinary research networks/graduate colleges, as well as into Charité's future-oriented strategic initiatives (Charité 2030 and Charité Internationalization Strategy)
• Cooperation with Charité's preclinical and clinical facilities and other institutions in Berlin and Brandenburg
• Willingness to actively participate in shaping the degree programs offered at Charité, ensuring sound postgraduate education and training, and commitment to promoting young medical professionals and scientists
• Involvement in relevant research areas of the FMP and in the future-oriented strategic initiatives of the FMP
• Participation in relevant committees at Charité and FMP

Knowledge of German at C1 level (expert language skills according to the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs) is desirable for the performance of the duties.

Charité and the FMP strive to improve the consideration of gender and diversity in both content and personnel in the structures of science and healthcare, as well as to increase the proportion of women in scientific staff, and strongly encourage women to apply. In the case of equal qualifications, women will be given priority within the scope of legal possibilities. Severely disabled applicants with equal qualifications will be given preference. We value diversity and therefore welcome all applications, regardless of gender, nationality, social background, religion, or age.

Please submit your written application, including your conceptual ideas and in accordance with the guidelines on the Internet (https://career.charite.de/calls/application_notes.pdf), by Friday, September 11, 2026 to https://career.charite.de.

Travel expenses incurred during the appointment process will be covered by the Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) in accordance to the Federal Travel Exprenes Act (BRKG).

For questions regarding of the professorship the content or formal questions regarding the application process, please contact berufungen(at)charite.de.