Vacancy ID: 171/2026

Deadline: 26 July 2026

Start date: 1 October 2026 | Part-time (65%, 26 hrs/week), fixed-term until 30 June 2030

The Institute of Microbiology at the Faculty of Biosciences, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, is recruiting a Doctoral Researcher for a project titled "Isolation and Functional Engineering of Klebsiella Phages." The position sits within the DFG-funded Collaborative Research Centre 1768 "VirusREvolution: Decoding Tools for Virus Research," a large interdisciplinary consortium developing new approaches for virus discovery, characterization, and engineering. The successful candidate will purify, characterize, and modify bacteriophages targeting Klebsiella pneumoniae, a clinically important opportunistic pathogen.

Your responsibilities

1. Conduct research in bacterial and phage genetics and RNA biochemistry to build a genetically and functionally diverse panel of Klebsiella bacteriophages, and define the molecular basis of phage-host interactions
2. Contribute actively to the VirusREvolution consortium and collaborate closely with project partners
3. Participate in regular group and project discussions
4. Co-supervise BSc/MSc students on related projects
5. Publish findings and present at national and international conferences

Who should apply

1. MSc (or equivalent) in molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, or a related field
2. Required: hands-on experience in bacterial genetics and molecular cloning
3. Desirable: background in phage biology, RNA biology, or high-throughput data analysis
4. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
5. Able to work both independently and within a collaborative team
6. Fluent written and spoken English

What's on offer

1. Placement in a young, cross-disciplinary research group within a large, ambitious consortium
2. Membership in an Integrated Research Training Group, with structured mentorship and a hard-/transferable-skills curriculum via the Jena Graduate Academy
3. Family-friendly work environment and university sports/wellness programs
4. Salary per TV-L pay scale E13 (Federal States Public Sector Collective Agreement), including annual special payment
5. 30 days annual leave, plus December 24 and 31 off

Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference where qualifications are equal.

🔗 Apply here