Forschungszentrum Jülich is one of the largest research centres across Europe. The Institute of Bio- and Geosciences (IBG-1: Biotechnology) performs research in the field of molecular and applied microbiology. The PhD candidate will work in an ERC funded project (ERC starting grant “Pro_Phage”) and will be part of a Helmholtz research group. Current projects of the group focus on phage-host regulatory interaction in the Gram-positive soil bacterium Corynebacterium glutamicum and the integration of prophage elements in host networks.

Project and Methodology

A highly motivated PhD student will study the regulatory interaction between bacteriophages and their host organism. A major focus will be placed on a novel class of regulatory proteins and its impact on the integration of phage elements into host regulatory networks. The work will also include comparative phage and prophage genome evolution studies. Classical and cutting edge molecular, genetic and biochemical methods will be applied as well as next-generation sequencing (NGS, RNA-seq and ChIP-seq), single-cell analysis in microfluidic chip devices (live cell imaging) and flow cytometry.

The candidate

• Suitable candidates must hold or achieve a Diploma or Master´s degree in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or related fields.
• Applicants should have a solid theoretical and practical knowledge of modern microbiology, molecular biology and biochemistry and should be highly motivated.
• Soft skills, efficiency and team-work are expected
• Applications from disabled persons are welcome.

The Offer

• Start May 2018 or later
• Salary in conformity with the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Civil Service (50 % TVöD 13 plus bonus)
• International, interdisciplinary working environment on an attractive research campus, ideally situated between the cities of Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Aachen
• A comprehensive PhD training and mentoring programme

Contact

Prof. Dr. Julia Frunzke

Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH

Institut für Bio- und Geowissenschaften52425

JülichGermany

Tel: +49 2461- 61-5430

Fax: +49 2461- 61-2710