1 PhD position on the chemical potential and mechanisms of marine microbe-invertebrate interactions in Germany | Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute (HKI)

The Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute – (HKI) investigates the pathobiology of human-pathogenic fungi and identifies targets for the development of novel natural product-based antibiotics. The new junior research group Chemical Biology of Microbe-Host Interactions (Dr. Christine Beemelmanns) invites talented and highly gifted candidates to apply for the following position starting as soon as possible:

1 PhD position for two years initially.

Project: Exploring the chemical potential and mechanisms of marine microbe-invertebrate interactions

Research Area: Marine microbes live in close and often specific associations with marine organisms by colonizing outer and inner surfaces. The associated microbes are often producers of (bio)chemical cues (proteins), which regulate critical aspects of, e.g. the immune system, behaviour, population structure, or community organization of the respective organism. But microbes are also excellent sources for primary and secondary metabolites (small molecules), which can have specific functions as intra- and interspecies communication signals such as virulence factors, repellent or attractant.

We aim to understand principle (bio)chemical and small molecule-mediated communication mechanisms of microbe-host interactions using specific marine invertebrates and the associated microbiome as model systems. Furthermore, the chemical exploitation of the biosynthetic potential of marine microbes and the isolation of unprecedented chemical core structures creates new opportunities for drug discovery and development.

Tasks: Natural product isolation and characterization, bioassays, proteomics, next-generation sequencing, genome mining, heterologous gene expression.

Requirements

• The candidate should embrace working in a young international research team and conducting research that covers multiple biological disciplines embedded in the infrastructure of the HKI
• A Master degree (or equivalent) in chemistry or other natural and life sciences (e.g. biology, microbiology, bioinformatics, biomedical sciences, e.t.c). Candidates about to obtain their degree are welcome to apply
• An integrative and cooperative personality with enthusiasm for actively participating in a lively community of the HKI, the JSMC and ILRS Community.
• To be able to perform team-oriented as well as independent work
• 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. The HKI is an equal opportunity employer. The position will be filled as soon as possible. Applications for PhD or Postdoctoral scholarships will be also supported!

Jena – City of Lights and the German City of Science 2008: a young and lively town with dynamic business activities, successful scientific centers of innovation and a vibrant cultural scene around the famous Friedrich Schiller University.