Doctoral Researcher in Microbial Physiology

Uni-jena - Erfurt - 15-09-2021 zur Vakanz  

Friedrich Schiller University is a traditional university with a strong research profile rooted in the heart of Germany. As a university covering all disciplines, it offers a wide range of subjects. Its research is focused on the areas Light-Life-Liberty. It is closely networked with non-research institutions, research companies and renowned cultural institutions. With around 18,000 students and more than 8,600 employees, the University plays a major role in shaping Jena's character as a cosmopolitan and future oriented city.

The Institute of Biodiversity / Aquatic Geomicrobiology Group at the Faculty of Biosciences seeks to fill the position of a

Doctoral Researcher in Microbial Physiology (m/w/d)

commencing on January 1, 2022 or at the earliest possible date in the DFG-funded project "
Influence of lanthanides on (non-)methylotrophic metabolism in non-model bacteria"
For few years we are now aware that lanthanides ("rare-earth elements") are not biologically inert, but highly relevant for microbial C1-metabolism and carbon cycling as a whole. Combining microfluidic cultivation, mutagenesis screenings, *omics-based strategies, and advanced electron microscopy, we want to win a comprehensive understanding about central aspects of lanthanide-dependent metabolism (sensing, uptake, storage), which might be relevant for potential biotechnological applications, in non-model organisms.

Your responsibilities:

  • Microfluidic-based screenings to assess the impact of lanthanide supplementation on the growth behaviour of selected organisms
  • Combine microfluidic cultivation with low biomass RNAseq for downstream differential gene expression analysis
  • Identification of genes and proteins involved in lanthanide-dependent metabolism using mutagenesis screenings
  • Characterization of (mutant) strains by means of different electron microscopy techniques
  • Work on a scientific qualification project: doctorate
  • Writing and publishing scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals
  • Presenting results at national and international conferences

Your profile:

  • MSc. Degree in biosciences, ideally with a focus on microbiology, candidates expecting to earn their degree by end of the year are welcome to apply
  • Solid knowledge of microbial physiology and microbial carbon cycling is expected
  • A strong background in cultivation and experience with molecular techniques (RNA extraction, sequencing library preparation, molecular cloning)
  • Knowledge about bioinformatics ((meta-)genomics) and/or electron microscopy would be desirable but not mandatory
  • Excellent English communication skills, both written and spoken, are desirable
  • Enthusiasm, motivation, and creativity to shape your own thesis project

We offer:

  • A doctoral researcher position with excellent funding and the possibility of a research stay abroad
  • An interdisciplinary project, in a dynamic field of research, involving cutting edge methods and collaborations with national and international partners
  • A comprehensive mentoring programme with supervision by a team of advisors and qualification and development measures embedded with the Jena Graduate Academy
  • A family-friendly working environment with a variety of offers for families, and University health promotion including a wide range of University sports activities
  • Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L) at salary scale E13 - depending on the candidate's personal qualifications -, including a special annual payment in accordance with the collective agreement
The position is limited to 3 years. This is a part-time position with 65% of the working hours of a full-time employee (26 hours per week). The project is supervised by Dr. Carl-Eric Wegner; the place of work will be Jena - City of Science. FSU Jena seeks to increase the number of women in those research areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourage women to apply. Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability.

Did we raise your interest? Then send your application, stating the vacancy ID 351/2021 until 17 October 2021 to:

Dr. Carl-Eric Wegner


All applications should be in English and include (in one PDF file, max. size 15 MB) at least the following:
1. Cover letter (max. 1 page, describing your motivation, research interests, and relevant experiences)
2. Curriculum vitae (max. 2 pages, including contact details of at least two scientific references)
3. Scans of certificates, diplomas, and other (e.g., Master's and Bachelor's certificate - if not in English or German, please provide a translation)
Selected applicants will be invited for a short presentation and a personal interview presumably in November 2021. For queries concerning the application process and for project-related questions please contact Dr. Carl-Eric Wegner.

For further information for applicants, please also refer to
(in German) Please also note the information on the collection of personal data at
mehr...

zur Vakanz

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