Doctoral Researcher (m/f/div) in Microbiome Systems Biology

Stellenausschreibung HKI-29/2024

The Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI) investigates the pathobiology of human-pathogenic fungi and identifies targets for the development of novel natural product-based antibiotics. The research group Microbiome Dynamics invites talented and highly gifted candidates to apply as

Doctoral Researcher (m/f/div) in Microbiome Systems Biology

For 4 years

As part of a new MSCA Doctoral Network (EU-funded project), the Microbiome Dynamics (MBD) Department is leading an international effort to advance microbiota medicine with clinical application on the diagnosis and treatment of metabolic diseases and cancer. We are seeking 2 excellent and enthusiastic Ph.D. students in the fields of metabolic modeling and/or microbiome data. The objectives of the Ph.D. projects are to (i) conduct extensive in silico microbiome metabolic modeling for rational design of microbial consortia to potentiate molecule's production with therapeutic actions, and (ii) integrate metagenomics and clinical data for microbiome-based disease diagnosis, prognosis, and identification of potential therapeutics.

Candidates will be part of an international network with a rich offer of joint training and internship programs and will collaborate closely with an extensive network of top European scientists and start-ups. In addition, candidates will also have the opportunity to contribute to several national and international research projects focused on the role of the microbiome in globally significant diseases. Together with renowned scientists and supported by an excellent infrastructure, you will have the opportunity to contribute to a healthier, cleaner, and fairer society. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Your profile:

• A strong interest in conducting collaborative research on the topic outlined above is paramount

• Candidates are expected to be interested in working at the boundaries of several research domains

• Master's degree in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Systems Biology, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline

• Knowledge and experience in the analysis of biological high-throughput data

• Knowledge of statistical methods in the context of biological systems

• Experience with programming (Python, Perl, C++, R)

• Well-developed collaborative skills

Eligibility Criteria:

Only candidates fulfilling the MSCA Doctoral Network hiring requirements will be considered.

• Candidates can be of any nationality and no age limit.

• Candidates cannot yet have been awarded a doctoral degree.

• Candidates are required to undertake transnational mobility when taking up their appointment (details in the Horizon Europe Programme - Guide for applicants). 

We offer:

• The successful candidates will be hosted in the Department Microbiome Dynamics of Prof. Gianni Panagiotou of the Leibniz-HKI in an international, dynamic team and an "open-door" atmosphere with access to state-of-the-art computational resources.

• MBD is currently coordinating the BMBF-funded consortium PERMICCION (www.permiccion.de) and the present MSCA Doctoral Network and is an active participant in the EU-funded consortium FOODGUARD, the Cluster of Excellence "Balance of the Microverse" (www.microverse-cluster.de), and the CRC/Transregio 124 "Pathogenic fungi and their human host: Networks of interaction" (www.funginet.de) funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft.

• An international and multi-disciplinary environment with strong expertise in the proposed research fields. The group consists of approximately 15 members at different levels of seniority.

Salary is paid according to the MSCA Work Program's guidelines. As an equal opportunity employer, the Leibniz-HKI is committed to increasing the percentage of female scientists and, therefore, especially encourages them to apply.

Further information: 

Prof. Gianni Panagiotou | +49 3641 532 1759 | gianni.panagiotou@hki-jena.de

Applications:

Leibniz-HKI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. It aims to increase the proportion of underrepresented groups in case of equal suitability. All qualified persons, regardless of color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other classification protected by law will receive consideration for employment.

Complete applications in English should include a cover letter, a CV containing a complete list of publications, a brief statement of research experiences, the addresses of two possible referees, and should be submitted via the Leibniz-HKI online application system. The deadline for the advertisement is November 15, 2024, but applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.