The Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute – (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 Chemistry of Microbial Communication (Dr. Pierre Stallforth, www.stallforth-lab.de) invites talented and highly gifted candidates to apply for a Post-Doctoral Researcher (m/f) (Microbial Communication) starting as soon as possible for two years initially.

Research Area: We are interested in understanding the role of microbial natural products (e.g. antibiotics or signalling molecules) in biological systems. While new antibiotics are urgently needed to combat life-threatening infectious diseases, not much is known why these compounds are produced in an ecological setting. We investigate scenarios in which bacteria use natural products to defend themselves against microbial predators (e.g. amoebae). Our lab combines research in the fields of biological chemistry, synthetic chemistry, natural product biosynthesis, and chemical ecology.

Our Recent Publications in this Area

Arp J, Götze S, Mukherji R, Mattern DJ, García-Altares M, Klapper M, Brock DA, Brakhage AA, Strassmann JE, Queller DC, Bardl B, Willing K, Peschel G, Stallforth P (2018) PNAS 115, 3758.

Klapper M, Arp J, Günther M, Stallforth P (2018) Synlett 29, 537.

Klapper M, Götze S, Barnett R, Willing K, Stallforth P (2016) Angew Chem Int Ed 55, 8944.

Requirements

• the candidate should embrace both working in an international research team and conducting research (team-oriented, as well as independent work) that covers multiple disciplines embedded in the infrastructure of the HKI
• the candidate should have experience in at least one of the following areas: isolation and structure elucidation of microbial natural products, chemical biology and total synthesis of microbial natural products, investigating the biosynthesis and regulation of microbial natural products, bioinformatics
• a PhD degree (or equivalent) in chemistry or other natural and life sciences (e.g. chemical biology, biomedical sciences, biochemistry, microbiology, etc.). Candidates about to obtain their degree are welcome to apply
• experience in lab work, either chemistry-, microbiology-, or molecular biology-oriented and very good communication skills in English

The research group 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 excellent technical facilities, a place in a young, committed team, as well as strong scientific collaborations.

Salary is paid according to German TV-L (salary agreement for public service employees). As an equal opportunity employer the HKI is committed to increase the percentage of female scientists and therefore especially encourages them to apply. The position will be filled as soon as possible. Applications for scholarships will also be supported!

For further information please contact Dr. Pierre Stallforth | +49 3641 532 1527 | career@leibniz-hki.de

Complete applications in English should include a CV, a complete list of publications, a brief statement of research experiences, the addresses of two possible referees, and should be submitted by September 15, 2018 via the online application system of the HKI.