Job Advertisement HKI-55/2025

At the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI), we investigate the pathobiology of microorganisms and develop new natural product-based active compounds for the treatment of infectious diseases. As part of the structured doctoral program International Leibniz Research School ILRS 2.0 we invite talented candidates to apply for a position as

Doctoral Researcher (m/f/div)

for four years.

Project title: Investigation of RNA modification by natural products across species

Research Area:

Fungi are a growing threat to our society, currently causing over a billion human infections and 3.75 million deaths annually (gaffi.org). Rising rates of resistance are compounding treatment and invalidating our best antifungals, while rising temperatures are feared to facilitate the emergence of new fungal pathogens capable of reaching the higher growth temperature maximums required for infection in humans. Although we have put significant effort into understanding fungal pathogenesis, little is known of how RNA is regulated during infection. This cutting-edge project aims to investigate fungal natural products as potential covalent modifiers of host RNA. We will leverage existing knowledge of natural product chemistry and important human fungal pathogens like Aspergillus fumigatus to begin to address this exciting question. A successful project will result in elucidation of a new facet of fungal pathogenesis reliant on RNA modification across species and potentially a new druggable regulatory interface for the development of future therapeutics.

Required Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree (or equivalent) in molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, or related disciplines. Candidates about to obtain their degree are welcome to apply.

  • Strong experimental background in molecular microbiology and/or nucleic acids biology.

  • Experience with RNA modifications or natural products chemistry/chemical analytics is a plus.

  • The candidate should be willing and able to work in an international, interdisciplinary research team.

  • Very good communication skills in English.

We offer:

  • Cutting edge research facilities and world-renowned faculty

  • A highly communicative atmosphere within an energetic and interdisciplinary scientific network

  • Integration into the structured and interdisciplinary doctoral training program ILRS 2.0

  • Jena – City of Science, a young and lively city with a vibrant local cultural agenda

  • Salary is paid according to German TV-L (salary agreement for public service employees).

The successful candidate will be hosted in the Junior Research Group RNA Biology of Fungal Infections led by Dr. Matthew Blango and jointly supervised by the Department of Biomolecular Chemistry led by Prof. Christian Hertweck. The Leibniz-HKI is embedded in the outstanding scientific environment of the Beutenberg Campus providing state-of-art research facilities and a highly integrative network of life science groups.

Further information:

For more information about the position, click here.

Christine Vogler | christine.vogler@leibniz-hki.de

Applications:

Leibniz-HKI is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer and promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. It aims to increase the proportion of underrepresented groups in case of equal suitability. All qualified persons, regardless of color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other classification protected by law, will receive consideration for employment.

Complete applications in English should include a cover letter, a CV, a certificate of study/transcript of records, the addresses of three possible referees, and should be submitted via the Leibniz-HKI online application system. The deadline for applications is December 13, 2025. Selected candidates will be invited to a recruitment meeting in Jena in early 2026 for personal interviews.

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