Doctoral Researcher Position: Towards therapeutic microbes: Synthetic antifungal bacteria

The Jena School for Microbial Communication (JSMC) is funded by the German Excellence Initiative. The JSMC is an ambitious Graduate School with over 150 doctoral researchers who are educated in a structured, interdisciplinary training program based on top-level fundamental research. It conceptually combines different research areas within a comprehensive core theme of microbial communication (www.jsmc.uni-jena.de). Institutes at five faculties of the Friedrich Schiller University Jena, six non-university research institutes as well as 12 partner companies participate in this cutting-edge research and training program.
The JSMC Graduate School of Excellence invites applications for a
Doctoral Researcher Position (Ref. No. 124/2017)
to conduct research on the project
Towards therapeutic microbes: Synthetic antifungal bacteria
The human body is colonized by a plethora of commensal bacteria (microbiota). An imbalance of the microbiota can foster infections with the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans. Using synthetic biology, we will engineer commensal bacteria to act as “microbial physicians”. Colonizing niches of the body, they will diagnose pathogens, bind to their surface, and release specific pharmaceuticals to treat the infection. The prototype will be assessed as an experimental therapy against fungal infections.
More projects details here: www.jsmc.uni-jena.de/phd-program/fellowship-application/vacant-projects/
We expect:
• a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in the natural sciences (e.g. Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Microbiology or related). Candidates in the final stages of obtaining their degree are eligible to apply.
• desirable methodological skills: experience in genetic engineering (e.g. cloning, gene deletion, heterolog. expression), biochemistry (e.g. protein purification, engineering), systems biology (e.g. genomics, transcriptomics, metabolic engineering) and microbiology (microscopy, bioassays). Knowledge in medicinal microbiology and synthetic microbiology is advantagous.
• highly motivated individuals with an interest in joining one of the interdisciplinary research areas of JSMC
• the abililty to work creatively and independently towards developing your own thesis project
• an integrative and cooperative personality with enthusiasm for actively participating in the dynamic JSMC Community
• excellent English communication skills, both written and spoken (instruction language at JSMC)
We offer:
• a highly communicative atmosphere within a scientific network providing top-level research facilities
• a comprehensive mentoring program with supervision by a team of advisors
• a top-level PhD training program with courses in state-of-the-art research technologies and soft skills
• Jena – City of Science: a young and lively town with dynamic business activities, successful and innovative scientific centers affiliated with the famous Friedrich Schiller University and a vibrant local cultural agenda.
The three year doctoral researcher scholarship is available from the beginning of 2018. The scholarship will be financially supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). The Friedrich Schiller University Jena is an equal opportunity employer. Disabled persons with comparable qualifications will receive preferential status.