Job Advertisement HKI-21/2025

The Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI) investigates the pathobiology of microorganisms and develops novel natural product-based antiinfectives. The Junior Research Group Metabolomics-guided Natural Product Discovery invites talented and highly motivated candidates to apply as

Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/div) in Natural Product Chemistry

for three years initially.

Research area:

Natural products, especially of bacterial origin, are an important source of new antibiotics. These metabolites further play significant roles in microbial interactions and communication. For the discovery of novel (antimicrobial) natural products, we are investigating interactions in the bryophyte (moss) microbiome – a promising, but so far understudied habitat. Using metabolomics approaches, we identify novel natural products for further investigation. The candidate will assist in the isolation and purification of natural products and the subsequent structural elucidation using NMR. When beneficial, chemical synthesis will be used to confirm structures and to produce biosynthetic intermediates or derivatives. Mechanistic analysis will be performed to investigate biosynthetic pathways and enzymes.

To complement the young and committed team, we are seeking an excellent and enthusiastic postdoctoral researcher to start in June 2025.

The project is supported by the Free State of Thuringia and the European Social Fund Plus.

Your profile:

  • Doctoral degree in chemistry or life sciences (e.g. natural product chemistry, organic chemistry, chemical biology, biochemistry) or related discipline

  • Experience in natural product isolation and characterization, including structural elucidation using NMR

  • Experience in the study of biosynthetic pathways and enzymes

  • Experience in synthetic chemistry is a plus

  • Experience in high-resolution mass spectrometry and metabolomics is a plus

  • Very good communication skills in English, both written and spoken

  • Collaborative skills and team spirit

We offer:

The successful candidate will be hosted in the junior research group Metabolomics-guided Natural Product Discovery and be part of a young and dynamic team.

The Leibniz-HKI is embedded in the outstanding scientific environment of the Beutenberg Campus providing state-of-the-art research facilities and a highly integrative network of life science groups. We offer a multifaceted scientific project with excellent technical facilities, a place in a committed team, as well as strong scientific collaborations.

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

Further information:

Dr. Jethro Hemmann | +49 3641 532 14 78 | career@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 containing a complete list of publications, a brief statement of research experiences, a certificate of study / transcript of records and the addresses of two possible referees and should be submitted via the Leibniz-HKI online application system. The deadline for the advertisement is April 30, 2025, but applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.