Doctoral Researcher (TV-L E13, 65%) in Infection Biology

is an ambitious Graduate School with over 130 doctoral and postdoctoral scientists. We offer structured, interdisciplinary PhD and career training programs based on top-level fundamental research. They conceptually combine different research areas to a comprehensive picture of microbial communication. The Cluster of Excellence 'Balance of the Microverse' studies the fundamental principles underlying microbial community interactions and functions in diverse habitats, ranging from oceans and groundwater to plants and human hosts.

The research group of Microbial Immunology at the JSMC and the Cluster of Excellence “Balance of the Microverse invites applications for a

Doctoral Researcher (TV-L E13, 65%) in Infection Biology

commencing on 01 September 2026 or upon agreement. We offer a part-time position (65%) at the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI), offered as a fixed-term position for 3 years.

This experimental project explores how dietary fiber affects microbiota composition and metabolism, and thereby colonization with the human-pathogenic fungus Candida albicans. The student will use mouse models established in the lab in combination with metabolome and microbiome analysis, and in vitro experiments to identify types of fibers, bacterial taxa, and mechanisms contributing to diet-related colonization resistance.

Your responsibilities:

Perform in vivo and in vitro experiments and work independently towards your doctoral research project

Analyse project results, generate figures for publications, and write scientific manuscripts for publication

Present your results at local, national, and international meetings and conferences

Work closely together with other experimental and computational researchers in the research group and within the Cluster

Assist with training and supervising other researchers (e.g. student assistants, BSc students)

Contribute to the friendly, welcoming, and collaborative environment in our team

Your profile:

An MSc in Microbiology, Infection Biology, Immunology, Biochemistry, or closely related disciplines (incl. medicine/veterinary medicine). Candidates in the final stages of obtaining their MSc are encouraged to apply

Knowledge and experience in microbiology methods (essential); experience in metabolomics/microbiome analysis or working with laboratory animals is an advantage

Willingness to learn basic computational methods

A high level of curiosity, self-motivation, enthusiasm and attention to detail

A cooperative personality actively seeking to contribute to our interdisciplinary and inclusive Microverse community

Excellent written and spoken English communication skills

We offer:

A highly communicative atmosphere within an energetic and interdisciplinary scientific network

The Jena School for Microbial Communication offers a structured and interdisciplinary doctoral training program based on top-level fundamental research and provides comprehensive mentoring programs and soft skills courses

Jena – City of Science, a young and lively city with a vibrant local cultural agenda

A dedicated management team, providing support and information on non-scientific subjects, such as onboarding and family life, and organising individualised career development programs and events on topics like mental health and communication

Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L) at salary s