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Doctoral Researcher FunHoMic Microbiome: Germany

The Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute – (Leibniz-HKI) investigates the pathobiology of human-pathogenic fungi and identifies targets for the development of novel natural product-based antibiotics. The Research Group Microbial Immunology invites applications for one Doctoral Researcher FunHoMic Microbiome (f/m/d) in the field of Microbiology / Infection Biology / Immunology.

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, yet most humans are asymptotically colonised by this fungus as a part of their commensal microbiota. Dysbiosis caused by antibiotics is a common risk factor for superficial or even fatal infections by C. albicans. Our group studies the triangle of interactions between C. albicans, bacteria, and the host to understand the mechanism underlying susceptibility to and pathogenesis of infections (see: https://www.leibniz-hki.de/en/mikrobielle-immunologie.html). In this project, the successful applicant will use murine models in combination with microbiome analysis, immunological read outs and in vitro experiments to investigate how the microbiota influences host-Candida interplay directly by affecting the fungus, and indirectly, by shaping the host’s immune response.

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, Immunology, 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: Infection Biology, Immunology, Microbiology. Practical experience in flow cytometry, microbiome analysis or working with laboratory mice.

We offer

The successful candidate will be hosted at the RG MI 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 programme. 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. Ilse Jacobsen | +49 3641 532 1223 | career@leibniz-hki.de

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