Job Advertisement HKI-63/2025

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: A novel role of human p11-dependent EGFR in regulating phagosome maturation and antifungal defence

Research Area:

The ability of pathogens to evade phagosomal killing is critical for their pathogenicity. Previously, we have identified the fungal surface effector protein HscA as a key factor that impairs phagosome function by piercing the phagosomal membrane (Jia et al., Cell Host Microbe 2023; Jia et al., bioRxiv 2025). Using both biased and unbiased approaches, we are identifying host proteins that are recruited to phagosomes by HscA. In the current project, we aim to investigate the roles of these recruited proteins in phagosome function and antifungal defense mechanisms, and to use this knowledge to engineer phagosomes with improved antifungal defense capabilities.

Required Qualifications:

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

  • Strong experimental background in cell culture, molecular biology, microbiology, and/or biochemistry.

  • Experience with mouse experiments 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 Research Group Phagosome Biology and Engineering and jointly supervised by Dr. Leijie Jia, Dr. Franziska Schmidt, Prof. Marc Thilo Figge, and Prof. Axel Brakhage. 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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