Molecular Biology at Jena Bioscience is defined by experience, reliable expertise and close collaboration with other JBS departments.
The Molbio department has been led by Dr. Bürk Schäfer continuously since 2005. Originally trained as a physicist with a focus on fluorescence spectroscopy, Bürk brings a broad scientific perspective and a deep understanding of physical principles to the team. He also oversees the protein and crystallography units, strengthening the interdisciplinary approach at JBS. His long-standing experience provides stability and helps guide the department through both routine operations and more demanding phases.
Today, a team of around ten colleagues works closely together across production, quality control and development – quite literally sharing one floor. This proximity enables fast communication, direct feedback, and continuous refinement of products and processes.
A key strength of the unit lies in its in-house production. By developing and producing master mixes based on our own highly sensitive polymerases and ultra-pure nucleotides, we maintain full control over quality and performance. Our focus is on solutions that simplify real laboratory work flows while offering long-term stability and above-average robustness.
This commitment is reflected in our results: in 2025, our newly established bulk-format Hot Start Polymerase (PCR-423) became one of our strongest drivers, while our RNase / DNase Detection Kit (PP-409), a unique tool for quality control, achieved the highest number of units sold.
Our work aims to solve practical challenges of everyday lab life - from supporting a student in interpreting their first results to designing high-throughput assays for industrial partners requiring scalability and long-term reliability. We combine flexibility with essential scientific precision.
Even our regular Tiramisu sessions, thanks to Bürk’s constant supply, have become more than a tradition, offering an opportunity to exchange ideas and shape future directions together.
We are Jena Bioscience – Building Blocks of Life, driven by quality, expertise and proximity.
