The Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute – (Leibniz-HKI, www.leibniz-hki.de) investigates the pathobiology of human-pathogenic fungi and identifies targets for the development of novel natural product-based antibiotics. The Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms invites applications for one Doctoral researcher in the field of Microbiology / Infection Biology / Cellular Microbiology.

The project will be associated to the European Innovative Training Network (ITN) “Deciphering the fungus-host-microbiota interplay to improve the management of fungal infections – FunHoMic” within the Horizon2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (starting 2019).

Project background – Fungi infect billions of people annually, kill as many people as tuberculosis or malaria and are a major problem for healthcare. Candida albicans is a major opportunistic fungal pathogen and frequently causes superficial or even fatal infections. However, most humans are asymptotically colonised by this fungus as a part of their commensal microbiota. We are a leading research group in the investigation of Candida spp. pathogenicity mechanisms including their interaction with immune cells, their nutrient acquisition strategies, their evolution and adaptation in pathogenicity, the mechanisms involved in the commensal-to-pathogen shift and their capacity to cause host damage (see: www.leibniz-hki.de/en/mpm).

In this project, the successful applicant will use our sophisticated in vitro and ex vivo model systems to investigate important aspects of C. albicans‘ interaction networks during commensalism and pathogenesis, focussing on the influence of human microbiota and probiotics on host-Candida interplay. The overarching goal is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which bacteria act as protective partners or antagonists of C. albicans.

Eligibility criteria – All applicants must be early-stage researchers of any nationality in the first four years of their research career. They are required to undertake transnational mobility and, in the 3 years immediately prior to recruitment, must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Germany for more than 12 months. The appointed researcher must not have spent more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to their recruitment in the same appointing organisation.

Candidate’s profile – We expect a Master´s degree (or equivalent) in Life Sciences (e.g. Biology, Biochemistry, or Microbiology). Furthermore, the applicant should be able to perform team-oriented as well as independent work. Practical experiences in one or more of the following subjects are beneficial: Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Infection Biology, Cell Biology. Practical experience in cell culture, microarrays or fungal genetics is an advantage.

We offer – The successful candidate will be hosted at the Department MPM at the Leibniz-HKI. The institute is embedded in the outstanding scientific environment of the Beutenberg Campus providing state-of-art research facilities and a highly integrative network of life science groups. We offer a multifaceted scientific project with excellent technical facilities, a place in a young, committed team, as well as strong scientific collaborations. Furthermore, the successful candidates will take part in the extensive ITN training programmes. The length of individual appointments for an ESR will be at least 36 months within a network.

Salary is paid according to the regulations of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions. HKI is an equal opportunity employer.

For further information:

Please contact Prof. Bernhard Hube | +49 3641 532 1401 | career@leibniz-hki.de