PhD Position: Adaptive traits as mediators of stress response and virulence in Lichtheimia

The Jena School for Microbial Communication (JSMC) is funded by the German Excellence Initiative. 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 to a comprehensive picture 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 are participating in this cutting-edge research and training program.

The Graduate School of Excellence ‘JSMC’ invites applications for a
Doctoral Researcher Position (Ref. No. 119/2016)
to conduct research on the project

Adaptive traits as mediators of stress response and virulence in Lichtheimia

Fungi of the order Mucorales are emerging pathogens and cause life-threatening infections in both animals and humans. Genes encoding iron-transporters, surface proteins, proteases will be heterologously expressed in Saccharomyces and knocked down in Lichtheimia corymbifera followed by infection studies to monitor stress adaptation and virulence. The project is ambitious and aims to collect essential key players in our understanding of the pathogenesis of life-threatening zygomycetous pathogens.
More projects details here: www.jsmc.uni-jena.de/phd-program/fellowship-application/vacant-projects/

We expect:
• a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Natural Sciences (Biology, Veterinary or Human Medicine). Candidates about to earn their degree are welcome to apply.
• desirable methodological skills: a solid background in standard techniques of molecular biology and microbiology as well as genetic engineering are expected. Knowledge of genome annotation, qPCR/Northern analyses and hands‐on experience in fluorescence microscopy, cell culture techniques are advantageous.
• high motivation and interest to join one of the interdisciplinary research areas of JSMC
• creativity and interest to shape your own thesis project
• an integrative and cooperative personality with enthusiasm for actively participating in the lively JSMC Community
• very good communication skills in English (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 scientific centers of innovation and a vibrant cultural scene around the famous Friedrich Schiller University

The doctoral researcher positions are available from the beginning of 2017. The positions will be financially supported corresponding to TV-L (salary agreement for public service employees). Friedrich Schiller University Jena is an equal opportunity employer. Disabled persons with comparable qualifications receive preferential status.