The Papenfort laboratory at the Friedrich Schiller University of Jena (Germany) studies gene regulation in microbial pathogens. We focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying post-transcriptional gene control in bacteria and how these affect complex regulatory processes, such as quorum sensing, virulence, and biofilm formation. Our goal is to use this information to develop new approaches to treat and prevent microbial infections.
We are currently recruiting postdocs and/or PhD students in the following areas of research: A) “Single cell transcriptomics”: The recruited candidate will develop and employ transcriptomic tools to investigate gene expression in single bacterial cells. The project will focus on microbial pathogens, such as Vibrio cholerae, and the role of heterogenous gene expression events during stress response, biofilm, and virulence.
B) “Probing cholera infections on a chip”: This project aims to study Cholera infections in a “gut-on-a-chip” model, which has been developed in our laboratory. Specifically, we are aiming to understand the role of quorum sensing and post-transcriptional gene regulation in gut colonization and host defense.
Qualifications:
- ▸ MSc (for PhD positions) or PhD (for postdoc positions) in microbiology, bioinformatics, genomics, computer science, engineering, data science, or a related field
- ▸ Previous experience in microbiology/bioinformatics would be desirable
- ▸ Ability to work independently and as part of an international team
- ▸ A strong desire to do research, enthusiastic, creative, and highly self-motivated
- ▸ Excellent English communication skills (written and spoken)
The Friedrich Schiller University Jena is committed to increase the number of women in research and teaching. Therefore, the university explicitly encourages qualified female scientists to apply. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference to other candidates with equal qualifications.
Applications in English should comprise the usual documents (CV, publication list, a letter summarizing research interests, experience and goals, and the names and phone numbers/e-mail of at least two references). Please submit your application as a single PDF document via email attachment until August 20th 2023 to: kai.papenfort@uni-jena.de