Doctoral Researcher (m/f/div) in Natural Product Discovery

Job Advertisement
HKI-39/2024

The Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI) investigates the pathobiology of human-pathogenic fungi and develops novel natural product-based antiinfectives. As part of the Thuringian Research Group Program, we are currently setting up the junior research group Secondary Metabolism of Microbial Interactions and invite talented and highly motivated candidates to apply for a position as a

Doctoral Researcher (m/f/div) in Natural Product Discovery

for three years initially.

Natural products, especially of bacterial or fungal origin, are an important source of new antibiotics. These metabolites further play important roles in microbial interactions and communication. For the discovery of novel (antimicrobial) natural products, we are investigating interactions in the moss microbiome – a promising, but so far understudied habitat. The candidate will use a combination of bioinformatics and metabolomics methods to determine the biosynthetic potential of moss-associated bacteria, select promising strains for (co)cultivation, isolate and characterize novel natural products, and determine their bioactivities. To complement the young and committed team, we are seeking two excellent and enthusiastic PhD candidates to start in January 2025.

The project is supported by the Free State of Thuringia and the European Social Fund Plus.

Your profile:

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in life sciences or chemistry (e.g. [chemical] biology, biochemistry, microbiology, bioinformatics, or a related discipline)
• Strong interest in the interdisciplinary research of natural products, biosynthetic pathways / enzymes, and microbial interactions
• Experience in working with microorganisms, if possible also with plants
• Experience in chemistry (natural product isolation and purification) or analytical chemistry (LC-MS, NMR) is an advantage
• Data analysis and (Python) programming skills are a plus
• Very good communication skills in English, both written and spoken

We offer:

The successful candidate will be hosted in the junior research group Secondary Metabolism of Microbial Interactions, led by Dr. Jethro Hemmann.

The Leibniz-HKI is embedded in the outstanding scientific environment of the Beutenberg Campus providing state-of-the-art research facilities and a highly integrative network of life science groups. We offer a multifaceted scientific project with excellent technical facilities, a place in a committed team, as well as strong scientific collaborations.

The PhD candidate will participate in the structured program of the International Leibniz Research School and can become an associated member of the Jena School of Microbial Communication.

Salary is paid according to German TV-L (salary agreement for public service employees).

Further information:

Dr. Jethro Hemmann | +49 3641 532-1478 | career@leibniz-hki.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, a certificate of study / transcript of records, and the addresses of two possible referees and should be submitted via the Leibniz-HKI online application system. The deadline for the advertisement is October 13, 2024, but applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.