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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 Cluster of Excellence “Balance of the Microverse” at 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 research group of Prof. Dr. Axel Brakhage
at the Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse invites applications for a
Doctoral Researcher Position (m/f/d)
to conduct research on the project
“Ultrasensitive Raman-based detection of natural products in microbial communication (RaMiCo)”
commencing on 01.01.2022. A later start may be possible if desired. The position is initially limited to 3 and a half years. We offer a part-time position 65%.
Your responsibilities:
• Cultivation of microorganisms, extraction and purification of natural products by HPLC.
• Characterization of products by LC-MS, NMR, UV-Vis absorption and vibrational (Raman and IR absorption) spectroscopy.
• Potential dependent SE-CARS measurements in collaboration with the group of Prof. Popp (Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology).
• Real-time monitoring of microbial communication.
• Contribute to the development of project direction, as the project evolves.
• Produce high-quality written reports and draft papers.
• Present your results at local meetings and national and international conferences.
• Assist with training other researchers, including Masters’ and undergraduate project students, where required.
• Assist with the teaching activities of the group where required.
• Contribute to maintaining the friendly, welcoming and collaborative environment within the group.
Your profile
• An MSc (or equivalent) in in Life Sciences (e.g. Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Microbiology) or related discipline. Candidates in the final stages of obtaining their degree are also eligible to apply.
• Required methodological skills: excellent skills in methodologies in microbiology, knowledge in separation techniques, including HPLC, characterization of substances by LC-MS and NMR.
• Desired methodological skills: knowledge in and practical experience in optical spectroscopic methods, such as UV-VIS, IR or Raman spectroscopy.
• 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
• 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
• A family-friendly working environment with a variety of offers for families: University Family Office ‘JUniFamilie’ and flexible childcare (‘JUniKinder);
• University health promotion and a wide range of university sports activities;
• Attractive fringe benefits, e.g. capital formation benefits (VL), Job Ticket (benefits for public transport), and an occupational pension (VBL)
The three and a half year full-time doctoral researcher position (65% TV-L E13) will be funded through the Excellence Strategy of the German federal and state governments or the Carl Zeiss Foundation. The Friedrich Schiller University Jena is an equal opportunity employer and part-time contracts can be discussed.
To promote gender equality in science, applications by woman are especially welcome. Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability.