Job Advertisement HKI-62/2025

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: Scalable moss-bacteria co-cultivations for the discovery and production of antimicrobials

Research Area:

Natural products serve as the predominant starting point for the development of novel antimicrobials, which are urgently needed to fight infections by resistant bacteria and fungi. Mosses, which often grow in harsh environments, are colonized by a rich microbiome. But despite being microbial hot spots, their microbiota have been under-researched for their natural product potential. To identify and characterize microbial secondary metabolites produced by moss-associated bacteria, robust and scalable systems for the cultivation of mosses together with bacteria from their natural microbiomes are needed. In this project, we will leverage the expertise of the groups Metabolomics-guided Natural Product Discovery, led by Jethro Hemmann, and the Bio Pilot Plant, led by Miriam Rosenbaum in natural product discovery and cultivation technology, respectively, to establish scalable and controllable biotechnological systems for the co-cultivation of mosses with bacteria to facilitate the discovery and production of antimicrobial natural products. The doctoral researcher for this collaborative interdisciplinary project will be integrated into both research groups.

Required Qualifications:

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

  • Strong experimental background in microbiology, and/or chemical biology.

  • Experience with bioprocess development, plant biology, or natural product research.

  • Strong interest in interdisciplinary research at the interface of biotechnology, plant-microbe interactions, and natural product chemistry.

  • Experience in analytical chemistry (LC-MS) is a plus.

  • The candidate should be motivated 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 Research Group Metabolomics-guided Natural Product Discovery and jointly supervised by Dr. Jethro Hemmann and Prof. Miriam Rosenbaum. 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 ILRS2.0, please 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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