Doctoral Researcher in Chemical Biology: The Cluster of Excellence “Balance of the Microverse” at the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI), Jena, Germany, invites applications for a Doctoral Researcher (PhD candidate) position in Chemical Biology. This interdisciplinary project focuses on developing enzymatic tools and “helper bacteria” to combat pathogenic invasions by targeting microbial virulence rather than viability. The position is part of an ambitious doctoral training program offered by the Jena School for Microbial Communication.
Doctoral Researcher in Chemical Biology – Cluster of Excellence “Balance of the Microverse”
Summary Table
| Vacancy Number | 2026/002 |
|---|---|
| Designation | Doctoral Researcher (PhD candidate) |
| Research Area | Chemical Biology, Microbial Communication, Antivirulence Therapies |
| Location | Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI), Jena, Germany |
| Start Date | March 1, 2026 (or upon agreement) |
| Duration | 3.5 years (fixed-term, part-time 65%) |
| Salary | TV-L E13, 65% (incl. annual special payment) |
| Application Deadline | October 20, 2025 |
Designation
Doctoral Researcher (PhD candidate) in Chemical Biology
Research Area
- Microbial community interactions
- Chemical signaling in co-cultures
- Antivirulence therapies
- Molecular imaging and genome mining
- Chemical biology of specialized metabolites
Location
Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI), Jena, Germany
Affiliated with the Cluster of Excellence “Balance of the Microverse”
Eligibility/Qualification
- Master’s degree (MSc) in biological sciences, microbiology, chemical biology, or biochemistry (candidates nearing completion may also apply)
- Laboratory experience with bacterial specialized metabolites and analytics (preferred)
- Strong motivation, curiosity, and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research
- Excellent communication skills in English (spoken and written)
- Team-oriented personality with willingness to collaborate in an inclusive scientific community
Job Description / Responsibilities
- Conduct independent doctoral research in chemical biology and microbial communication
- Perform laboratory experiments and analyze data
- Prepare scientific publications and present findings at conferences
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary researchers across the Cluster of Excellence
- Contribute to mentoring and supervising junior researchers (e.g., student assistants, BSc students)
- Engage actively in building a supportive and collaborative team environment
What We Offer
- A stimulating, interdisciplinary research environment within the Cluster of Excellence “Balance of the Microverse”
- Structured doctoral training program at the Jena School for Microbial Communication with mentoring and soft-skills courses
- Career development support, including workshops on diversity, collaboration, and family life
- A vibrant scientific and cultural atmosphere in Jena – “City of Science”
- Competitive public-sector salary (TV-L E13, 65%) funded through the German Excellence Strategy
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their application via the online application portal of the Leibniz-HKI. Please include:
- Cover letter explaining motivation and research interests
- CV with academic background and publications (if any)
- Copies of degree certificates and transcripts
- Contact details of at least two academic references
👉 Apply online by October 20, 2025
📌 Note:
- Women are especially encouraged to apply.
- Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference if qualifications are equal.
