1 Doctoral Researcher Position on Characterization of pathogen-leukocyte interaction by means of Raman spectroscopy in Germany | Jena School for Microbial Communication (JSMC)

The Jena School for Microbial Communication (JSMC) is funded by the German Excellence Initiative. JSMC is an ambitious Graduate School with over 150 doctoral researchers who are educated in a structured, interdisciplinary training program based on top-level fundamental research. It conceptionally combines different research areas to a comprehensive picture of microbial communication. Institutes at five faculties of the Friedrich Schiller University Jena, six non-university research institutes as well as 12 partner companies are participating in this cutting-edge research and training program.

The Graduate School of Excellence ‘JSMC’ invites applications for a Doctoral Researcher Position TV-L E13 65% (Ref.No. 97/2014) to conduct research on the project:

Characterization of pathogen-leukocyte interaction by means of Raman spectroscopy.

Leukocytes are part of the immune system and play an important role in fighting invading pathogens. In order to understand infection mechanisms and ultimately find new ways of treatment, it is important to study the molecular details of the pathogen-leukocyte interaction. Within this project, Raman spectroscopy will be utilized to study those interactions in detail to gain deeper insights into the immune response and the adaption strategies of the pathogens. This will include visualization of the morphology of infected leukocytes and phagocytosised pathogens in false color Raman images as well as the identification of biochemical changes of leukocytes and pathogen during the infection scenario by extracting molecular information from the Raman spectra and correlating it with biochemical information.

We expect:

• a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Natural Sciences (Candidates about to earn their degree are welcome to apply.
• desirable methodological skills: basic microbiological skills (handling of cells and microorganisms), interest for spectroscopic methods and statistical data analysis
• high motivation and interest to join one of the interdisciplinary research areas of JSMC
• creativity and interest to shape your own thesis project
• an integrative and cooperative personality with enthusiasm for actively participating in the lively JSMC Community
• very good communication skills in English (instruction language at JSMC)

We offer:

• a highly communicative atmosphere within a scientific network providing top-level research facilities
• a doctoral researcher position (TV-L E13, 65%) funded for three years based on the regulations of the German Research Foundation as well as generous research fundingv
• a comprehensive mentoring program with supervision by a team of advisors
• a top-level PhD training program with courses in state-of-the-art research technologies and soft skills
• Jena – 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