Microverse Doctoral Researcher Project No: 15/2019Integrative analysis of metabolomic and transcriptomic data to assess the biosynthetic capacity of microbial communities

The Cluster of Excellence “Balance of the Microverse” of the Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany, combines expertise in life, material, optical and computational sciences to elevate microbiome studies from descriptive to hypothesis-driven and functional analyses. Our core mission is to elucidate fundamental principles of the interactions and functions in microbial communities in diverse habitats ranging from oceans and ground water to plant and human hosts. We aim to identify the shared characteristics of disturbed or polluted ecosystems as well as infectious diseases on the microbiome level and develop strategies for their remediation by targeted interventions. Our full spectrum of expertise in the physical and life sciences will be leveraged to address these important issues in natural habitats as well as synthetic arenas in a collaborative manner. The affiliated early career program of the Jena School for Microbial Communication (JSMC) offers an ambitious, structured and interdisciplinary graduate training based on top-level fundamental research.
The Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse invites applications for a
Doctoral Researcher Position (Ref. No. 15/2019)
to conduct research in the group of Prof. Dr. Christoph Steinbeck on the project
Integrative analysis of metabolomic and transcriptomic data to assess the biosynthetic capacity of microbial communities
We expect:
• An MSc (or equivalent) in Bioinformatics, Cheminformatics or a topic in the natural sciences (Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or closely related fields) with a strong programming and informatics background. Candidates in the final stages of obtaining their degree are eligible to apply
• Desirable methodological skills: excellent background in metabolomic and/or transcriptomic analyses, experience with bioinformatic tools and data modeling.
• A good understanding of microbial biology or biochemistry.
• Skills in at least one modern programming language, an object oriented language is a plus.
• Desire to learn and work with modern technologies (such as Docker, cloud computing and noSQL databases) and apply them in the life sciences domain.
• Highly motivated individuals with an interest in joining one of the interdisciplinary research areas of the Microverse Cluster
• The ability to work creatively and independently towards developing your own research project
• An integrative and cooperative personality with enthusiasm for actively participating in the dynamic Microverse community
• Excellent English communication skills, both written and spoken
We offer:
• A highly communicative atmosphere within an energetic scientific network providing top-level research facilities
• A comprehensive mentoring program and soft skill courses for early career researchers
• Jena – City of Science: a young and lively town with a vibrant local cultural agenda