Targeted “fishing” for microbial interaction partners

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 groundwater 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 post-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. 09/2020)
to conduct research in the new junior research group of Dr. Martin Taubert,
hosted by Prof. Kirsten Küsel, on the project
Targeted “fishing” for microbial interaction partners

We expect:
• A Master of Science (or equivalent) in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics or related fields. Candidates in the final stages of obtaining their degree are also eligible to apply
• Desirable methodological skills: molecular biology techniques, microbial culture techniques, high-throughput sequencing
• 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
• 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

Applications are exclusively accepted via the JSMC Online Application Portal:
https://apply.jsmc.uni-jena.de/

Please familiarize yourself with the currently available doctoral projects (www.microverse-cluster.de) and the application process as described in the Online Application Portal. Selected applicants will be invited to a recruitment meeting taking place in August. Awarding decisions will be announced shortly thereafter, and candidates are expected to be available to start their projects in early 2021.

Application deadline: 3rd December 2020