The Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI) investigates the pathobiology of human-pathogenic fungi and identifies targets for the development of novel natural product-based antibiotics. The junior research group (Epi-)Genetic Regulation of Fungal Virulence invites talented and highly qualified candidates, willing to start as soon as possible, to apply as a Doctoral Researcher (f/div/m) in Microbial Bioinformatics for three years initially.
Research Area:
Members of the genus Fusarium are some of the few trans-kingdom fungal pathogens, being able to infect plants, and at the same time, cause severe superficial and invasive infections in humans – called fusariosis. While immunocompromised patients usually suffer from systemic diseases, serious eye infections (keratitis) can occur even on completely healthy individuals. Recently, Fusarium species were listed in the high priority group of the World Health Organization’s fungal pathogens list. We are now working towards improved diagnosis and understanding of the infection of this emerging human pathogen with a collaborative project funded by the Free State of Thuringia with means of the European Social Fund (ESF).
We are seeking an excellent and enthusiastic PhD student to start at the earliest possible date. The objective of the PhD project is to isolate and prepare fungal strains for genome sequencing, including the analysis of DNA- and RNA-sequencing data.Candidate´s profile:
- Master degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Systems Biology or a related discipline
- Strong background in programming (Python, R, Perl, C++)
- Experience with the assembly and annotation of genome data as well as gene expression analysis is desired
- Knowledge of statistical methods in the context of biological systems
- Experimental background in the handling of microbes is an advantage but is not essential
- Ability to perform team-oriented as well as independent work
- Very good communication skills in English are necessary
We offer:
The successful candidate will be hosted by the junior research group (Epi-)Genetic Regulation of Fungal Virulence of Dr. Slavica Janevska. We offer an interdisciplinary scientific project in a young and committed team, with excellent technical facilities and strong local, national and international scientific collaborations.
The PhD candidate will participate in the structured program of the Jena graduate school International Leibniz Research School or the Jena School for Microbial Communication. 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.
Salary is paid according to German TV-L (salary agreement for public service employees). As an equal opportunity employer, the Leibniz-HKI is committed to increase the percentage of female scientists and therefore especially encourages them to apply.
For further information:
Dr. Slavica Janevska | +49 3641 532 1188 | career@leibniz-hki.de
Applications:
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, the addresses of two possible referees, and should be submitted via the Leibniz-HKI online application system. The deadline for the advertisement is February 28, 2023, but applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.