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Postdoc Position in Microbiome Research: Munich, Germany

The Schirmer lab at the Technical University of Munich is offering a position, available immediately, as a Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) in Microbiome Research.

About us
The Schirmer lab is part of the ZIEL – Institute for Food & Health, an inter-disciplinary Corporate Research Center of the Technical University of Munich located in Freising-Weihenstephan. The re-search of the Schirmer lab focuses on the human microbiome, especially gut microbes, and investigates potential mechanisms of host-microbial interactions in a variety of human diseases including chronic inflammatory bowel diseases. Integrated multi-omics analyses (metagenomics, meta-transcriptomics, metabolomics) are used to identify disease-associated bacterial strains and their metabolites. These strains are subsequently isolated and cultured in the lab to validate their immunogenicity and inflammatory activity. Our research provides insights into the potential mechanisms of the human microbiome in immune-related diseases.

Candidate profile
We are looking for an outstanding highly-motivated postdoctoral researcher with the ambition and commitment to achieve excellence in a highly productive environment. The activities surrounding this position will be focused on experimental work for the validation of predicted host-microbial interactions and represent an exciting opportunity to discover the underlying mechanisms of the role of the microbiome in human health. Bacterial strains and predicted host-microbial interactions will be prioritized based on computational analysis of multi-omics data from large population cohorts. The candidate for this project will be responsible for the isolation, cultivation and characterization of these bacterial strains from human samples (including biopsies, stool, saliva).

Tasks

  • Isolation and cultivation of disease-related bacterial strains
  • Functional characterization of bacterial strains (gene expression and metabolic capabilities)
  • Characterizing the immunomodulatory potential of bacteria (including human cell assays)
  • Lead and contribute to the generation of publications, grant applications, and protocols
  • Network with our national and international collaborators and represent our works at conferences and scientific meetings

Requirements

  • PhD in microbiology or a relevant field
  • Experience in classical and molecular microbiology techniques
  • Experience with culturing bacteria (in particular anaerobes) and isolating bacterial strains from human samples
  • Additional qualifications: Experience with immunological assays and human cell lines is an advantage, experience/interest in mouse work (germ-free, SPF) is an advantage
  • Experience or strong interest in human microbiome research
  • Strong publication record, excellent communication skills, and high proficiency in English (presentation and writing skills)
  • Self-motivated and enthusiastic to work in an interactive, international research environment, ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Excellent organization and time management skills required

Application
Please send your full application as a PDF by October 15th, 2020 to melanie.schirmer@tum.de or by mail to the address above. The application should include a cover letter, detailed CV, a description of research experience and interests (1-2 pages) and contact details for three references. Please also indicate a preferred starting date and why you are interested in joining our group.

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