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

For 4 years

The Microbiome Dynamics (MBD) Department contributes to the development of personalized microbiome-based strategies to aid in the detection, monitoring, treatment, and prevention of human diseases (e.g., Ni et al., Cell Metabolism 2023; Leung et al., Science Translational Medicine, 2022; Seelbinder et al., Nature Communications, 2023). MBD is currently coordinating the EU-funded consortium MiCCrobioTAckle (https://miccrobiotackle.eu/), the BMBF-funded consortium PerMICCion (www.permiccion.de), and is an active participant in the EU-funded consortia FOODGUARD and NUTRIMMUNE, 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 and the consortium SynThera funded by the Carl Zeiss Foundation.

We are seeking an excellent and enthusiastic Ph.D. student in the field of metagenomics. The objective of the Ph.D. project is to analyse large microbiome datasets using advanced computational methods to explore how different dietary patterns affect the gut microbiome and subsequently modulate immune system responses and inflammation across various groups.

In this project, you will contribute to our vision of identifying age-specific and universal dietary strategies for optimizing immune health and managing inflammation. 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 metagenomics and/or 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 

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.

• 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 German TV-L (salary agreement for public service employees). 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. Dr. Gianni Panagiotou | +49 3641 532 1759 | carrer@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, 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 January 31, 2025, but applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.