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 Junior Research Group Chemical Biology of Microbe-Host Interactions invites talented and highly gifted candidates to apply as Doctoral Researcher (f/div/m) Marine Microbiology, starting as soon as possible for three years initially.

This project is part of the recently awarded ERC Starting Grant “MORPHEUS” to Dr. Christine Beemelmanns, which interlinks chemistry and microbiology to understand the chemical signals that influence and dictate eukaryotic development in the marine environment.

The field of work might include:

• Comparative genomic analysis and genetic engineering of marine bacteria
• Comparative physiological analysis of marine bacteria
• Marine bioassays for activity studies
• Field studies for microbial diversity analysis

Main requirements:

• Master degree and excellent experience in microbiology, biochemistry, microbial physiology, metabolic engineering or related disciplines.
• Candidates about to obtain their degree are welcomed to apply.
• The candidate should be willing and able to work in an international, interdisciplinary research team
• Ability for team-oriented as well as creative and independent work
• Very good communication skills in English

Candidate should have at least one or more of the following technical skills:

• Experience in metabolic analysis of microbial (co-)cultivations
• Advanced experience in metabolic engineering of bacteria
• Advanced knowledge in performing omics investigations (either comparative genomics, metabolomics or proteomics)
• Basic bioinformatics knowledge
• Advanced knowledge in microscopy; preferably FISH-analysis
• Experience microbial physiology
• Experience in marine aquacultures

We offer: The successful candidate will be hosted in the independent Junior Research Group “Chemical Biology of Microbe-Host Interactions” headed by Dr. Christine Beemelmanns. The group conducts innovative cutting-edge research by combining state-of-the-art natural product chemistry with ecological important research questions.

The candidate will work in a dynamic and highly motivated group. Within the group, the student will experience a strong support based on lively collaborations and friendly interactions between the interdisciplinary scientists and they will have access to state-of-art equipment. In addition, the applicants will have all possibilities to realize own innovative ideas and develop own project directions.

The Leibniz-HKI 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 supported by excellent technical facilities a place in a young, committed team, as well as strong scientific collaborations. The PhD candidate will participate in the structured program of the International Leibniz Research School and become an associated member of the Jena School of Microbial Communication.

Salary is paid according to German TV-L (salary agreement for public service employees). As an equal opportunity employer, the Leibniz-HKI is committed to increasing the percentage of female scientists and therefore especially encourages them to apply.