1 Postdoctoral position 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 Postdoc position for two years initially.

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

Research Area: Microbes live most often in close association with other organisms of the same or different species. The interactions in those highly complex systems are often dynamic and can take many forms, ranging from obligate mutualistic dependency to parasitic nature. Depending on the environmental conditions and on interacting organisms, microbes respond with the production and secretion of chemical mediators to influence and coordinate their environment. Our group is interested in understanding these microbial communication signals and strategies, and in analyzing the structure activity relationships. Target-oriented organic synthesis and chemical-labeling of key molecules will be part of our research efforts. Furthermore, we are interested in the exploitation of the structural diversity of microbial natural products for the discovery of new pharmaceutical interesting compounds.

Possible research projects

• Harvesting the chemical potential of microbes associated with marine cnidarians: metagenomic analysis, genome mining, isolation of morphogenic signaling molecules, and exploitation of secondary metabolite production
• Total synthesis and chemical labeling of signaling molecules and other natural products of high biological and pharmacological relevance

Requirements

• The candidate should embrace working in an international research team and conducting research that covers multiple biological disciplines embedded in the infrastructure of the HKI
• A PhD degree (or equivalent) in chemistry or other natural and life sciences (e.g. biology, microbiology, bioinformatics, biomedical sciences, etc.). Candidates about to obtain their degree are welcome to apply.
• Experience in natural product chemistry (e.g. total synthesis, isolation and structure elucidation, screening methodologies) and/or microbiology (e.g. enzymology, genome mining, metagenomic analysis, working with recombinant microorganisms).
• 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. Additional applications for postdoctoral scholarships will be 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.