1 Doctoral Researcher Position on Epigenetic control of secondary metabolism in filamentous fungi (Bioinformatic analysis and modeling) in Germany | Jena School for Microbial Communication (JSMC)

Epigenetic control of secondary metabolism in filamentous fungi (Bioinformatic analysis and modeling) Secondary metabolites (SM) (antibiotics, toxins, etc.) are pharmaceutically important substances involved in microbial communications. The PhD project will be devoted to detection of epigenetic marks for regulation of SM cluster genes. This will include the work with NGS data (e.g., merging nucleosome and transciptome data), analysis of nucleosome positioning in genes and promoters of active and inactive SM clusters, application of comparative analysis and systems biology approaches.

We expect:

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Natural Sciences (bioinformatics, biology; also physicists and mathematicians with strong interest to biology are encouraged to apply). Candidates about to earn their degree are welcome to apply.
• desirable methodological skills: programming skills (e.g., R, C++, Perl) are crucial; previous experience in bioinformatics (e.g., in sequence analysis, in processing large data sets (NGS)) and familiarity with Linux would be advantageous.
• 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 funding
• 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