PhD Position in Decoding Symbiont: The Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology in Jena is inviting applications for a PhD position focused on integrating systems modeling and multi-omics data to understand symbiont establishment in insect-microbe interactions. This project seeks a motivated individual to explore the intricate metabolic exchanges and regulatory signals involved in establishing stable symbiotic relationships.
PhD Position in Decoding Symbiont Establishment
Designation
PhD Researcher (M/F/D)
Research Area
- Developmental and Evolutionary Biology
- Genetics
- Microbiology and Ecology
- Neurosciences
- Plant Research
Location
Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
Eligibility/Qualification
- Ideal candidates should possess:
- Critical scientific thinking skills
- A deep interest in evolutionary and molecular biology of insect-microbe interactions
- Strong background in computational biology and/or coding abilities
- Attention to detail for handling command line tools and programming scripts
- Collaborative spirit, curiosity, and creativity
- Time management and organizational skills
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
Job Description
The research involves:
- Integrating diverse omics data to decode the molecular basis of metabolic exchanges between hosts and bacterial partners.
- Conducting computational modeling and data integration to explore how these interactions evolve during symbiont establishment.
- Working on genome-scale metabolic network reconstruction, metabolic integration, and modeling regulatory networks.
- Collaborative interactions between in silico and in vivo approaches to refine model predictions through experimental testing.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply via the Max Planck Society’s application portal, providing complete application documents, including a CV, motivation letter, and any relevant academic transcripts.
Last Date for Apply
December 15, 2025
For further inquiries, candidates may contact the administrative office at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology. The institute promotes diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities.
