Doctoral Researcher position: Plant microbiomes (298/2017)

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 TV-L E13 65% (Ref. No. 298/2017)
to conduct research on the project
Whose microbiome is it? Adaptive interactions of keystone species in plant microbiomes.
The Plant Microbiosis Lab investigates the basis and roles of microbe-microbe interactions in diverse plant-associated microbiomes. Interactions help shape these microbiomes and we hypothesize that they have adaptive benefits for interacting microorganisms, in other words that the “plant” microbiome is in part the microbiome of plant symbionts. The successful candidate will investigate this hypothesis combining cutting-edge molecular, culturing and bioinformatics techniques in the field and lab.
More projects details are available here: www.jsmc.uni-jena.de/phd-program/fellowship-application/vacant-projects/
We expect:
• a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in the natural, life sciences or biotechnology-related field. Candidates in the final stages of obtaining their degree are eligible to apply.
• desirable methodological skills: microbial ecology and/or microbiology as well as experimental design and statistics/data analysis. Knowledge of Linux/Unix and experience with and/or willingness to learn a programming language (R, perl, python)
• 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 doctoral researcher position is available from the beginning of 2018. The positions will be financially supported corresponding to TV-L (salary agreement for public service employees). Severely disabled applicants with equal qualification and aptitude are given preferential consideration.