As German Research Center for Environmental Health, Helmholtz Zentrum München pursues the goal of developing personalized medical approaches for the prevention and therapy of major common diseases such as diabetes mellitus, allergies and lung diseases. To achieve this, it investigates the interaction of genetics, environmental factors and lifestyle.

The Institute of Virology is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher for the newly funded ERC project, with a particular emphasis on bacteriophage communities.  The successful applicant will be involved in the development and the use of new methods and tools for illustrating bacteriophages infecting antibiotic resistance bacteria, including  handling, analyzing and interpreting metagenomic and meta-transcriptomic (RNA-seq), proteomic data, as well as further development and/or application of multivariate analysis methods for comparative omics.

Our research focus in the group of Dr. Li Deng is on the interaction of microbe and virus (phage).  As pioneers in the development of “metaviromics” which involves isolating and sequencing the RNA/DNA from all of the viruses in sample directly, we query ‘wild’ viral populations to identify important hypotheses that can be evaluated using model-system approaches (Deng et al, Nature, 2014). We also develop sing-cell assays to investigate questions that are critical for modeling and predicting the impacts of phage-host interactions. We develop phage therapy, a promising complement to antibiotics, utilizes phages or phage-derived inhibitors as natural ways to fight antibiotic resistance.

We are currently seeking for a Postdoctoral Position in Virology or Microbiology (f/m/diverse) 2018/0554

Job description

Development and use of new methods and tools for illustrating bacteriophages infecting antibiotic resistance bacteria, including  handling, analyzing and interpreting metagenomic and meta-transcriptomic (RNA-seq), proteomic data, as well as further development and/or application of multivariate analysis methods for comparative omics.

Your qualification

• Recent PhD in microbiology, virology, molecular biology, or a related field
• Experience in any of the following areas: viral genomics, metagenomics, meta-transcriptomics (RNA-seq), proteomics, microbial ecology, synthetic biology, NGS
• Strong experience in flow cytometer (sorter)
• Biology/Biochemistry knowledge and understanding of key and complex biological concepts (genes, pathways, microbial phylogeny and microbial ecology.)
• Fluency in English both spoken and written
• Ability to independently carry out creative research with tenacity and of the highest quality standards
• At least one first author paper in an international peer reviewed journal

Our Offer

At the Helmholtz Zentrum München, you can contribute together with leading researchers to the investigation of the development, prevention and treatment of environmental diseases such as diabetes, chronic lung diseases and allergies. In order to further promote your professional development, we offer extensive and targeted research training and career programmes. We support the reconciliation between work and private life with flexible working time models, occupational health management, day care facility for children, a childcare subsidy, Elder Care, as well as other counseling and support services.

Remuneration and benefits are in accordance with the collective agreement for the public service (TV EntgO Bund).

The position is (initially) limited to 2 years with an option of further extension.

The activity involves special knowledge and experience specific to own scientific skills.

As a holder of the Total E-Quality Award, we promote equality of opportunity. In order to increase the proportion of women in management positions, we would be pleased to receive corresponding applications. Qualified applicants with physical disabilities will be given preference.

We are looking forward to receiving your comprehensive online application (in English)in a single pdf file – including CV and a complete list of publications, statement of research interests and at least two reference letters.