PhD in synthetic microbiology (Germany)

The Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute – (HKI, www.leibniz-hki.de) investigates the pathobiology of human-pathogenic fungi and identifies targets for the development of novel natural product-based antibiotics.

The successful candidates will be involved in the genomic manipulation of model organisms to heterologously express eukaryotic secondary metabolite gene clusters.

Methoden:
Our requirements:
We expect a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Life Sciences (e.g. Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Chemistry). Suitable candidates should have a strong background either in molecular biology or in biological chemistry. Experience in microbiology is advantageous but not required. Applicants should have very good communication skills in English and a high motivation to perform team-oriented as well as independent work.

The field of work includes:
- the genomic manipulation of model organisms (e.g. Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Aspergilli);
- the identification and isolation active metabolites; - the elucidation of metabolic pathways and their key elements (e.g. polyketide synthases).
The project aims to optimize the expression of cryptic gene clusters and to identify new therapeutics.

We offer:
The successful candidates will be hosted in the group “Biobricks of Microbial Natural Product Syntheses” (Dr. Vito Valiante), which is a new independent junior research group at the HKI. The 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. We offer a multifaceted scientific project supported by excellent technical facilities, a place in a young, committed team, as well as strong scientific collaborations. As a PhD student, you will be integrated in one of the established graduate schools ILRS or JSMC, which offer additional mentoring support and provide additional training through a structured onsite program. Training will include key areas of science and technology, and complementary skills.

Salary is paid according to German TV-L (salary agreement for public service employees). As an equal opportunity employer the HKI is committed to increase the percentage of female scientists and therefore especially encourages them to apply.

Anfangsdatum: 1. Februar 2016

geschätzte Dauer: 36 month

Bezahlung: TV-L

Homepage: https://www.uni-jena.de/jsmc_online_application/

The application process is handled exclusively online. Please acquaint yourself with the scientific projects offered on our website and follow the instructions for the online application process:
https://www.uni-jena.de/jsmc_online_application/

Deadline for application: November 17th, 2015